Safety Patrol
In the summer of 2001 the Vernon Community Policing Office (CPO) and its partners: the RCMP, the City of Vernon, the Downtown Vernon Association, Human Resources and Development Canada, and ICBC, launched the Vernon Safety Patrol Program. The pilot program allowed for six youth, to provide safety for the citizens of Vernon by maintaining a uniformed presence in the greater Vernon area, acting as extra “eyes and ears” for the RCMP, identifying and removing graffiti, utilizing ICBC’s “Lock Out Auto Crime”, and being ambassadors to the city by providing assistance to local citizens as well as visitors.
In 2003 the City of Vernon took on the sole responsibility for funding the program.
The Safety Patrol program creates a safer community by supporting community based crime prevention efforts, enhancing our communities’ knowledge and experience with respect to crime prevention and helps foster partnerships and collaborations with local residents and businesses.
The safety patrol assists the RCMP and community policing with the many issues that arise throughout the summer months. They serve as ambassadors, assisting visitors with directions and information. Further, the teams go out into the community spearheading such programs as bicycle and personal safety, operation identification. They are also available to any group wising to have safety workshops. The Patrols also participate in community events such as Family Fun Day, The Sunshine Festival.
From the initial training stage to the implementation of the Patrol, the involvement of organizations such as the RCMP, North Okanagan Youth and Family Services, North Okanagan Health Region, Tourism, John Howard Society and other community groups is critical to the success of the Safety Patrol Program.
Further, participation in a myriad of community events allows the Patrol to maintain visibility, and accessibility, outside of their daily patrol. As a result, the team builds recognition and can educate a broad section of the community in regards to crime prevention initiatives.
Vernon Safety Patrol Job Description
Under the direction of the City of Vernon Community Policing Office Coordinator, members are responsible for patrolling in, and around the City of Vernon, auto crime prevention, community safety, and act as good will ambassadors.
Bicycle Patrol
Majority of time patrolling in the Greater Vernon area with occasional ventures to local parks and populated areas. The patrollers will act as extra eyes and ears for the local RCMP, reporting suspicious activity as well as providing program visibility within the public.
Auto Crime Prevention
Administer parking lot audits and promotion of ICBC endorsed auto crime prevention tactics in order to educate the public with the intention of reducing auto crime.
