- Always act in a professional manner, fulfilling C.O.P. duties and obligations with integrity and competence.
- Respect the confidentiality of all persons and information within the patrol, community, and local police.
- Notify their insurance company that they will be participating in a patrol and ensure they are properly covered, should they be involved in an accident.
- Use their C.O.P. Identification only when reporting in at checkpoints or when requested to produce it by a member of the local police service.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license and current registration for their vehicle if they are the driver.
- Never go out on patrol alone.
- Not use any knowledge gained through their service for financial gain or profit.
- Not solicit or accept gratuities for services provided through the patrol.
- Not take an untrained or unauthorized person on patrol, i.e. family or friends.
- Not carry or use any weapon while on patrol, including any restraining devices such as handcuffs or zip strips.
- Not pursue any vehicle or persons.
- Not be involved in any criminal behavior.
- Not carry a dog or other pet in the vehicle while patrolling.
- Ensure that they will immediately report to the RCMP Detachment Commander, or designate, if they are arrested or charged with a federal or provincial offence, excluding minor traffic offences, and that they understand that this may result in the suspension or termination from their position within the Citizens On Patrol program.
- Ensure that local C.O.P. members understand that failure to report without delay may result in the Detachment Commander or designate to NOT recommend this individual to the local Citizens On Patrol program.
- Members must always represent themselves as a volunteer, NEVER as a police officer, and will immediately correct all misunderstandings. Failure to do so could result in dismissal, as well as the potential for criminal charges to be laid by the police.
- Never, under any circumstances, are members to take any type of enforcement action (unless otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer in need of assistance). Members are not to engage in any activity that is seen as unethical or a breach of personal privacy.
- Members will treat all people with the courtesy and respect they expect for themselves.
- Each member is responsible for their actions while on patrol and will be held accountable for those actions.
- Members will not engage in any verbal or physical confrontations while on patrol.
- Members will respect their patrol partners as individuals who share the same concern about the neighborhood or business district and will not act in any way that jeopardizes their patrol partners' personal safety.
- Members are to use the supplied equipment only while on patrol.
- If members experience difficulties with the equipment, they are to notify their group coordinator as soon as possible.
- Members will endeavor to participate in all training.
- Members will not carry weapons of any kind or restraining devices (hand cuffs, zip strips, etc…)
- Members will not consume alcohol or drugs prior to, or during a patrol.
- If using a bicycle, members will register their bicycle, if required by town/city bylaws.
- Members will obey all traffic laws and regulations.
- Members who fail to adhere to the above responsibilities may be dismissed.
- To be treated as a co-worker
- To have a meaningful and suitable assignment with consideration for personal preference, education, and skills
- To sound guidance and direction
- To appropriate orientation ad to initial and ongoing training where necessary
- To a written and supervised position description
- To be provided with the philosophy, values, and principles underpinning the organization
- To a workplace (where required to complete assigned tasks)
- To be heard
- To have input in goal setting and planning
- To have respect shown for honest comments and opinions
- To regular evaluations regarding work progress
- To day to day appreciation for efforts made
- To recognition and acknowledgement for his/her contributions
- To have an opportunity for greater responsibilities
- To a safe and secure work environment
- To be sincere when offering service to the organization
- To fulfill his or her commitment
- To be loyal to the organization
- To maintain the dignity and integrity of the organization
- To seek out, be amenable to, and request clarification about assignments
- To carry out duties and complete obligations promptly and reliably
- To be willing to take part in ongoing orientation or training programs provided by the organization
- To take part in meetings and committees as necessary
- To accept direction and/or decisions from the Volunteer Program Coordinator
- To maintain a professional working relationship with others
- To stay within the bounds of the volunteer position and assignment description and program and organization policy
- To maintain confidentiality
- To understand the role and function of your municipal police or RCMP.
- Make an appointment with your local law enforcement agency and establish support in developing a C.O.P. group in your area.
- Get commitment of a Liaison Officer for the group from the Detachment Commander.
- Gather community support (volunteers).
- Have volunteers fill out a standardized application form.
- The Detachment Commander or designate (Liaison) should meet with the potential new executive members as well as arrange for Criminal Record Checks for each volunteer.
- In some provinces, particularly Alberta, groups are required to form a Society and to have Liability insurance for their members.
- By Laws should be prepared and reviewed by the members.
- Choose a name for your group with the word Citizens On Patrol Society or Citizens On Patrol Association.
- Develop a set of rules for patrolling with the detachment.
- Set up a generic email address for the group such as ABCcop@gmail.com
- Set up communication system. (cell phones/radios)
- Check with your province for further details as each province has different expectations.
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- Recruit volunteers through various means such as local newspaper, posters, presentations, word of mouth and public service announcements.
- Liaise with assigned law enforcement contact.
- Liaise with appropriate levels of municipal elected and staff officials.
- Arrange group meetings and set patrol schedules.
- Keep track of monthly patrol and volunteer hours as well as administrative volunteer hours.
- Review new member applications.
- Contact applicants with outcome.
- Supply ID Cards for new members.
- Arrange appropriate member training.
- Maintain list of all qualified members.
- Ensure Criminal Record Check is completed on all new members and updated every two years as required in consultation with Detachment Liaison.
- Maintain group equipment inventory.
- Initiate/organize/implement group fundraising activities.
- Provide feedback and volunteer recognition to members.
- Other duties as required.