Yellowknife (Feb 11/04) - Volunteers with the Citizens on Patrol program are just weeks away from providing some extra ears and eyes on the streets of Yellowknife.

From Jan. 26-Feb. 8, Yellowknife RCMP responded to 415 calls for service. Eighty-four of these complaints were to assist with intoxicated persons. Thirty reports of assaults were received, including common fights and domestic disputes. One of these involved a weapon, a pool cue. Three impaired driving complaints were received, and one person was charged. Four residential break-ins were reported. One vehicle was reported stolen and later recovered by police. Eight motor vehicle accidents were reported. Two involved injuries, four included damage over $1,000, and two included damage under $1,000. Five sexual assaults were reported to police. One person was charged with possession of cocaine. One person was charged with trafficking as the result of a search warrant conducted by police. One robbery was reported which involved a male demanding a woman's purse and stealing $15. Six incidences of vandalism to property were reported, including damaged fences, smashed windows, and vehicle vandalism. Six reports of shoplifters were received from within the central area of Yellowknife. Eighteen traffic tickets were handed out.

Training began last weekend at RCMP G Division headquarters. COPS program director John Carter said he is excited to get everything underway.

"The training has gone exceptionally well so far," said Carter. "We have received a lot of positive feedback from a number of people involved."

Training for the 42 volunteers who registered involves 12 hours of instruction in such areas as traffic direction, police radio communications and basic criminal law.

"We should have about 25 people trained by the week after next," said Carter. "I am just absolutely thrilled that in a city with so many volunteers, we can come up with as many as 42 for this program."

Carter was also impressed with the diverse blend of people who volunteered, which included aboriginals and non-aboriginals of all ages.

"The patrol is truly representative of the community itself," he said. "I think it is a really good cross-section of the city."

Many Yellowknife businesses are also getting involved.

Just recently, Bob Wilson, COPS volunteer and owner of Yellowknife Foto Source, donated two pairs of Pentax 10-50 binoculars, worth about $250 each.

"They are excellent for low-light conditions," said Carter, noting that most of the patrolling will be done in the evenings.

Wilson said it is great to be able to contribute to the project in more ways than one.

"The RCMP are obviously overwhelmed with the workload in the downtown area so I thought it would be great if I could help out," he said.

NMI Mobility also donated two cell phones and 200 minutes of free air time each month.