Moment with the Mayor: Citizens on Patrol Program (COPPs)

Hi Everyone:

Kindersley is filled with many people who quietly contribute the well-being of Kindersley. The unsung contributors include moms and dads who look after kids on short notice, businesses who donate to a team, organization or cause without publicity, and the members of the Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP). I have gotten to know them a little bit, and they provide a remarkable service to our community.

COPP members tour Kindersley, visiting businesses and busy spots at night and in the early morning to ensure that businesses are locked up and secure, and identifying incidents or potential incidents that may require the RCMP to intervene, such as drunk drivers. Because of their work, COPP works closely with the RCMP in a supportive role.

For their Annual Report, COPPs reported:

·         Total Members: 21

·         Total patrols: 110

·         Total Patrol Hours: 880

·         Total Kilometres Travelled: 6,418.8

·         Total Trouble Call-Ins: 28

Here are some of the stories behind the numbers:

·         They drive around all night looking for trouble

·         They have been mooned

·         They like locking doors that have been left unlocked or open

·         They once came across a group of teenagers at Walmart trying to steal a bunch of shopping carts

My question is: What were they going to do with the shopping carts? Is there a black market for shopping carts?

·         They have given some revellers rides home in bad weather

The case in question is that the revellers were walking home in Hawaiian shirts and shorts in -30 weather. (These guys are not helping Darwin’s theory of evolution.)

·         They have helped spot stolen cars

·         90% of the time is boredom – “hanging with the guys”

·         5% is exciting

·         5% is thrilling

Does this sound like a good time to you? If it does, then why not volunteer yourself? All you have to do is go the Kindersley RCMP detachment and complete an application form.

Please write or phone if you would like me to discuss a particular topic. If you have any questions or comments, drop me a line at the town office or email me at mayorenns-wind@kindersley.ca. You can also check out my blog at http://mayorjohn.blogspot.ca/. I appreciate your feedback.