Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Mar 24/04) - Members of Yellowknife's Citizens on Patrol (COPS) program hit the streets for the first time last weekend, offering police a little extra help in their never-ending battle against crime.

"It's definitely nice to have the program up and running," said RCMP Const. Kerri Riehl, police liaison for the project.

Although the weekend was relatively uneventful, Riehl said police are grateful for the extra sets of eyes and ears on the streets.

COPS members don't actually arrest criminals, they only report what they see to the RCMP.

"We're really appreciative of the time and effort people are putting into the program," Riehl said.

The program has 42 members so far, 16 of whom have completed the nearly 17 hours of training necessary to begin patrolling.

Volunteers spend nine hours in the classroom reviewing police procedures, learn the ins and outs of the RCMP communications centre systems and go on a four-hour ride along with regular members.

Once all that's done, they go out on a four-hour training patrol with organizer John Carter, who has experience running a similar program in Ontario.

"Once they head out on their own, we want to make sure they can handle themselves," said Carter.

Community support

So far, the community has been extremely generous in helping the program get off the ground, Carter said, adding that he hopes businesses and individuals in Yellowknife will continue to show their support.

The city of Yellowknife has pledged $10,000 to the group while the Elks Club and Rotary Club donated $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.

NMI Mobility chipped in two cellular phones, along with some airtime, while Northern Metallic donated two high-powered flashlights.

"The support from small businesses within the community has been excellent," Carter said.

The program has had trouble finding a vehicle for the patrols -- right now volunteers drive their own cars -- but Riehl said the RCMP are considering donating a white, unmarked Ford Taurus.

"It's not an ideal situation right now because people are using their own vehicles. If there's an accident or something their (insurance) rates could go up," Riehl said.

A vehicle devoted solely to the program could also be outfitted with communications gear, namely a mobile transmitter that would have a wider range than the portable radios used now, said Carter.

Aside from questions about patrol vehicles, the program is moving forward, Carter said.

A second batch of volunteers is expected to go through the training regimen this month and it is hoped that all the members will be on patrol by spring.

Organizers will have spent nearly $14,000 in start-up funds by the time the year is out.

While the program is on solid footing right now, the key to its longevity will be fundraising, said Carter.