Citizens are taking back the streets and clamping down on crime in Whitecourt

 

Many residents in the community have been personally affected by property crime whether through theft, graffiti, or damage to personal property such as to vehicles or their homes. Last year, several homeowners awoke to find spray paint on their vehicles and holiday trailers while others have dealt with scratches in their paint and slashed tires.

Though not everyone has a personal story to tell, most do know someone who has had to deal with something so unfortunate. Whitecourt Citizens on Patrol (COP) is a volunteer-run, community-minded group that works under the safe partnership with the Alberta Citizens on Patrol Association (ACOPA). Started with the purpose of supporting COP groups throughout the province, ACOPA co-ordinates both general liability and insurance to COP groups and assists with training or resources needed by members.

ACOPA’s mission is to build safer communities by mobilizing citizens throughout Alberta to take ownership of their communities by co-operating with their local law enforcement agencies in a crime prevention initiative. Whitecourt Bylaw Officer Dustin Jendrick is the current president of the Whitecourt COP and said they are currently looking to build up their numbers.

“We’re low on membership right now and we want to see crime reduced. We know people don’t like crime, and this is their opportunity to get involved. Our motto is that we are the eyes and ears of our community. We see, we hear, and we pass that information along to the proper authorities. With more members I feel that our program can grow and that we could really see a reduction in crime.”

He said the RCMP love the program because it’s basically incognito. “We are in our personal vehicles and people don’t know who we are. We get to look without being noticed. It’s a great way to assist the RCMP.” Jendrick said joining the volunteer-based group is simple. “You fill out an application that includes three references, get a criminal record check at the detachment, and then have an interview with us to get to know you a bit better. From there you’ll be a member.”

He said the group tries to meet monthly, usually on the last Sunday of the month. “We get together to discuss what’s going on in the community. As the president, I liaison with our RCMP through one of our constables, and I’m also in co-ordination with the detachment commander.” Jendrick also liaisons with Tina Prodanuik, Crime Prevention Co-ordinator. There are currently over 70 communities in Alberta that have active COP groups.

Patrols happen most often in the evening and require a minimum of two people per patrol so that no one goes out alone. “It’s for safety purposes. One person can drive, and one can look around and take notes. We work on looking at situations that we notice as potential criminal infractions or what we would consider suspicious behaviour that could turn into something and then we notify RCMP members.”

There are 10 members in the group now and Jendrick hopes to see more involvement from residents. “We ask for one shift a month minimum and we can work around different timeframes for people,” he said. They generally stick to evening shifts, starting around 10 p.m. and going until between 2 to 4 a.m. depending on the activity, but do day patrols, too.

During patrols, COP members do not leave their personal vehicles. “We do not approach as we are not trained in any tactics. We cannot arrest or detain. We are just the eyes and ears and if it isn’t safe then we leave. As much as the RCMP members want information, our safety is paramount, and they understand that,” explained Jendrick.

“If you’re not happy with the crime rates here then this is your chance to join us and help make our community safer. Help us let criminals know that Whitecourt’s not going to put up with what they are doing. Crime won’t stop but it’s going to make them second guess their actions because they never know who’s watching. Its been proven to work and the more members we get the less this is going to happen and that’s what Whitecourt wants to see. We are a family-oriented community and we don’t want crime here.” To start the application process, contact the local RCMP detachment or email whitecourtcop@gmail.com.