Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association (ACOPA) along with close to 50 Citizens On Patrol (C.O.P.) groups are important assets to local RCMP Detachments as well as local police agencies across Alberta in helping to deter and reduce crime. ACOPA continues to increase the number of active groups as well as memberships within those groups.
A new group to take note of is that of Brocket, AB located on Piikani Nation. They are the first indigenous community in Alberta to host a Citizens On Patrol group. This is an important step towards creating beneficial relationships and building trust within indigenous communities including their governing bodies.
The provincial organization has been fortunate to receive a boosted grant from the provincial government, which has enabled funds to assist several groups who in turn, have purchased products to promote the C.O.P. program in their community as well as hosting public events to raise awareness about the benefits provided by the C.O.P. group.
Information videos produced by ACOPA are available on both the ACOPA and the CCOPA websites. The videos cover topics related to Auto Theft, Theft of Catalytic Reactors, What C.O.P. is all about, why your community needs the Citizens On Patrol program and many more.
ACOPA uses a retired RCMP officer to train new and seasoned members both at the yearly ACOPA Workshop and as well in communities across the province.
ACOPA organizes a yearly Workshop every September. The Workshop is hosted by a different C.O.P. group each year which allows the Workshop to move around the province. This event is important for volunteers to gather for specialized training, to meet members of the program from other communities, to exchange ideas, to ask questions and to share what groups have been doing.
ACOPA has been a strong provincial organization since 2000. Besides the active patrolling that C.O.P. volunteers do, the members are also active in many community events, from barbecues, to Speed Watch programs, to local parades, fun runs, garage sales, and many other local events.