The community-based crime prevention initiative, Citizens on Patrol (COP), is seeking new volunteers province-wide to help keep communities safe. This successful program has been running for decades.
Citizens on Patrol (COPs) is a community-based crime prevention initiative that aims to report suspicious, disruptive and criminal behaviour. There are presently five or more Citizens on Patrol (COP) groups in Nova Scotia.
The Citizens on Patrol Program is a partnership between police and volunteers that helps ensure safe homes and safe communities. COP volunteers are trained by the RCMP and are the eyes and ears of their communities. Volunteers contribute a minimum of four volunteer hours each month. COP members make observations and take notes of areas visited throughout their communities and should suspicious or unlawful activity be observed, RCMP dispatch is contacted and details of the suspicious or unlawful activity is reported for appropriate police response.
In order to become a COP volunteer in Nova Scotia, you must;
- Be at least 19 years of age.
- Possess a valid driver's license and maintain a good driving record.
- Complete an interview.
- Pass the security screening required by the RCMP.
- Be available to volunteer for a minimum of 60 hours per year.
- 4 Patrol hours and one COP Group meeting per month.
- Attend group meetings/training sessions.
If Citizens on Patrol is just the opportunity you're looking for, contact the RCMP at hdiv.volunteer@rcmp-grc.gc.ca with your name, address, phone number and nearest detachment. We'll provide you with more info.