Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Coppermine (Jan 07/02) - A new committee of residents worried about a rising crime rate will be keeping an eye on the streets by Jan. 15.

RCMP Cpl. Grant St. Germaine said response to the Citizens on Patrol, or COPS, proposal has been overwhelmingly positive.

"We have a core of approximately 45 volunteers and we plan to draw up a committee of eight people to set up the program specifically for Qurluqtuq," said St. Germaine.

More than 100 people showed up at the last organizational meeting.

St. Germaine said the committee will involve representatives from several sectors of the community, including high school students. "We want to bring in the perspective of youth in the community," he said.

Furthermore, a police officer experienced in the COPS program is scheduled to fly into Qurluqtuq some time next month to offer training to the volunteers.

"She'll provide training for the COPS people, with respect to observation skills and note-taking. They're essentially eyes and ears for the local detachment," said St. Germaine.

The new crime prevention group will not be tasked with actually intervening in crimes nor will members be asked to arrest perpetrators.

Hamlet Mayor Stanley Anablak said the creation of COPS is a welcome addition to the community, which has been plagued by break-ins and vandalism in recent months.

"I hope it works out. I'm happy and amazed to see how much response we got and that there are so many people interested in getting it rolling," said Anablak.