Yellowknife (Dec 10/04) - Inuvik RCMP want to start a mobile neighbourhood watch program and they are hoping to get some interest from community members.

Const. Chad Adamchick, lead officer on the project, says Citizens on Patrol Systems -- known as COPS -- has met with some success in the capital.

Inuvik RCMP Const. Chad Adamchick invites concerned community members to join the Citizens On Patrol System (COPS). - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

He said he hopes Inuvik residents will want to get involved.

"The one in Yellowknife has had an impact on curbing incidents of vandalism and other crime," he said.

Though the constable says some in the community have expressed interest in COPS, nobody has yet stepped forward to get involved.

"It's designed to be run by the community," said Adamchick. "Those who do volunteer will be taught how to take notes and do distance surveillance."

COPS provides an extra set of "eyes and ears" for police, Adamchick said.

He pointed out that volunteers are in no way responsible for intervening when they witness suspicious activities.

"COPS participants don't get involved, I want to stress this," he said.

"The program is like a roaming neighbourhood watch."

Before COPS can be put into action, the Inuvik detachment needs at least six volunteers.

Those interested in volunteering their time are asked to contact the Inuvik RCMP.

Once a core of volunteers is in place, decisions on specifics, including communication methods, times and areas of patrol, will be made in conjunction with the police.