Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.)
If you think you might be able to get away with a little mischief and no one's around except that elderly couple out on a seemingly innocent drive through town, think again. That couple could be your ticket to jail or prison.
The Citizens on Patrol program is similar to the Neighbourhood Watch program except the members patrol the community in their vehicles. The patrolling done by the Citizens on Patrol members assists the local police services by providing additional eyes and ears and calls the RCMP dispatch office to report a problem. The organization is a 100 per cent volunteer program made up of citizens of Hanna. The members come from all walks of life.
Funding and other contributions are expected to come from the generosity of local businesses, local service clubs, the municipal government and from government grants. This support is used for the purchase of equipment, fuel for vehicles, etceteras.
New members have to fill out an application form, they are cleared with a security check and attend training seminars. Members must be able to commit to a minimum of six hours a month.
Anyone interested in joining COP's should drop by the Hanna RCMP Detachment and request an information package and application form.