The Vernon Citizens Patrol Program recently graduated nine new volunteers—six women and three men—who will be patrolling Vernon and Lumby starting February 1. This follows an extensive training process that prepares Citizens Patrol volunteers to assist the RCMP in reducing crime within communities.
“Volunteer training and safety is of the utmost importance,” said Regan Borisenko, Crime Prevention Coordinator with City of Vernon Safe Communities Unit. “Volunteers undergo 12 hours of classroom instruction and 36 hours of practical training covering security and program interests, and five months of patrol-mentor training. These volunteers are Vernon and Lumby’s unsung heroes who continue to give their time to make our communities safer places to live.”
Training involves developing observation and patrol skills, taking notes, court procedures, being the first car at an accident or crime scene and working with agencies including the RCMP, City of Vernon Bylaws and ICBC. In addition to the night patrols, programs include Speed Watch, Cell Watch and Lock Out Auto Crime.
“Both the Village of Lumby and the Lumby RCMP Detachment are very supportive and pleased to add this asset to the safety of their community,” said Borisenko. “The Village approved the creation of a RCMP Volunteer Program in the fall of 2014 and began recruiting qualified volunteers. Lumby City Council will be holding a meet-and-greet with the new RCMP Volunteers in the upcoming months.”
For over 21 years, RCMP volunteers with the Citizens Patrol program have helped minimize crime occurring in our communities. This group is driven by dedicated community volunteers that assist the RCMP by acting as their “eyes and ears” while patrolling our streets. Duties involve patrolling streets, business areas, parks and shopping centre parking lots, documenting suspicious activities and calling them into the RCMP.