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.
Community Safety
Working closely with the Vernon
RCMP Safe Communities Unit addressing various local safety issues
including bicycle safety and road safety. The concept of Community
Policing will be exercised by promoting effective partnerships within
the community.
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