Citizen on Patrol Committee approved

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Sunny South News

By Nikki Jamieson
Sunny South News

Coaldale now has an official Citizen on Patrol group in town.

During their regular April 24 meeting, Coaldale town council met with a delegation from Coaldale Citizens on Patrol, on the formation of an official town society.

“The local group is at a point now where they want to be able to share information with the members coming onto the committee, so they can move forward and form some terms of engagement, and also forming a society for the necessary legal things to move forward and forming the local Citizens on Patrol Society,” said Mark Anderson, manager of community policing for the town.

COP is seeking a council decision on approving the Terms of Reference and the formation of a society.

Previously, during a December 2022 council meeting, town administration was directed to complete an updated Terms of Reference for COP before returning to council to present the terms and seek the formation of a Town Committee for COP. Council had also asked for COP to do some community engagement activities, which have been completed.

Potential volunteers for the society have been identified through community engagement, social media and advertising, and 10 people have put forth their names to be considered for membership in the committee.

Mayor Jack Van Rijn said he believes COP is “something that would benefit our community”.

Coun. Bill Chapman said he endorsed the Terms of Reference as presented, and would like to see the society get started.

Kimberley Hurst, director of the Alberta Citizens on Patrol Association, thanked council for their support.

“For a non-profit to start is expensive, and without having this, they wouldn’t be able to do it, so I appreciate your support with that,” said Hurst. “Knowing that (the volunteers) have the support of the Town is beneficial to them, because they may need your support financially in the future. Hopefully not, but since COVID, things, as you know, have been difficult for anybody, especially non-profits.”

Council unanimously passed a motion to approve the Terms of Reference as presented, and to make the Citizens on Patrol Committee an official committee of Council.