A local group of crime and safety watch volunteers in 100 Mile House is looking for extra helping hands.
The South Cariboo Citizens on Patrol says it’s looking for new volunteers to help cover its over 16,000 square kilometres patrol area.
“We work alongside the RCMP throughout the community, and we support the speed board reader,” says Kimberly Rankin, a Captain with the South Cariboo Citizens on Patrol, and has been with the group now for seven years.
“Sometimes we help with events; we will actually stay around there for any suspicious activity that we can report to the RCMP. We like to deter crime and increase community awareness — and just be visible to help support the community.”
The South Cariboo Citizens on Patrol has been in the 100 Mile Community for 30 years. It has been considered a highly successful program, with members conducting patrols once a week to once a month in 100 Mile as well as covering the surrounding communities such as Deka Lake and Forest Grove.
Rankin says there is no limit to how many patrols a volunteer can take on. Although she and the rest of the group stress that Citizens on Patrol is not a vigilante group, the volunteers are here to help and support the RCMP.
She says that when a member is out on patrol and sees something suspicious, they are to call the police’s non-emergency line. If it is a crucial matter, they call 911.
“We have 14 members on board right now, and we’re always looking for new members. There isn’t an actual max number; the more we get, the better it is for the community and for safety.”
To become a member, new volunteers must undergo a criminal record check and carry a valid Class 5 driver’s license. After this phase is successful, new volunteers will be taken on three consecutive patrols and be given some additional training, which the RCMP also supports. After the training period, a new member can work with the group and choose how many patrols they can cover and where they can patrol.
“It’s just really satisfying to be able to give back to the community and support it. That’s really what this is all about, helping it become a safer place,” says Rankin. “It’s a really great program to support, and the RCMP detachment is so supportive of it as well. Honestly, us neighbours working together is what really helps keep everybody happy and feeling safe.”
If anyone is interested in joining the South Cariboo Citizens on Patrol, they can find more information on the program and contact information on the group’s Facebook page, or email 100mpolicingvolunteer@gmail.com
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