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Citizens on Patrol to assume more duties

Jun 15, 2016 | 5:31 PM

Members of the local Citizens on Patrol program are being asked to do more to help the RCMP.

Traditionally the program focused on volunteers patrolling the city and keeping a watchful eye for illegal activity.

Herb Sutton, community safety coordinator for North Battleford, wants patrolling volunteers to start monitoring traffic violations. Part of that will include watching radar signs to give police feedback on areas where people speed, and take note of drivers using phones or not wearing seatbelts.

“It’s a recognition that the RCMP and the community safety officers can’t be everywhere at once,” Sutton said. “If we have people out there who are watching for illegal activity and providing that information to enforcement agencies it will hopefully help with response times.”

Authorities will use the information to pinpoint trouble areas and frequent them more often.

“We want everyone to follow the laws,” Sutton said. “When people follow the rules it creates a safer community and that’s our ultimate goal.”

Sutton said it’s strictly monitoring and reporting. Citizens on Patrol will not have the power to issue tickets.

Currently there are six people volunteering for the program with two more in the application process. Sutton hopes to have 10 to 15 by fall.

The application can be found online and any adult in the community can apply. A screening process and a criminal record check is part of joining the program.

 

ghiggins@jpbg.ca

@realgreghiggins