Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Program's Doug Fehr at Monday's council meeting. (Kenneth Cheung/ battlefordsNOW staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

COPP

Battlefords Citizens on Patrol sets record in early 2025

Apr 8, 2025 | 12:31 PM

Battlefords Citizens on Patrol (COPP) has started 2025 on a high note, recording its busiest first quarter in years with more than 13,000 blocks patrolled.

“I’m really proud to say that we’ve reached a record number of blocks patrolled, or kilometres patrolled, for any quarter in the last five years,” COPP chair Doug Fehr told city council during its regular meeting Monday.

Fehr presented highlights from COPP’s 2024 year-end report and first-quarter report for 2025, noting not only the increase in patrol activity but also stronger member participation.

“In other words, the workload is being spread out amongst our patrollers, which is quite encouraging,” he said.

In early 2025, the volunteer-based group made nine calls for service to the RCMP, including one involving a drug-impaired driver and another about an individual camped out in an ATM lobby. The group also maintains a direct line with on-shift Mounties to ensure support is available when needed.

Grass fires

WATCH: Fire crews battling two large fires near Prince Albert

18h ago

Pope Funeral

Hundreds of thousands say farewell to Pope Francis during Vatican funeral

Apr 26, 2025

history making season

Celebration for Gage Grassick's electric season set for Saturday

Apr 25, 2025

As of now, the group has 34 members, with 23 completing at least one patrol — including 11 women.

“Sometimes people don’t think that we have women join our group. There’s 11 that have joined, and we’re certainly looking for more,” said Fehr.

In 2024, COPP logged 90 patrols across 69 dates, covering more than 36,000 blocks. Of its 37 members that year, 31 completed at least one patrol.

One of the group’s biggest successes in 2024 came from its “Child Reunite” service at the Territorial Days Fair in August, aimed at helping reconnect lost children with their parents or guardians.

“We anticipated we’d make a dozen phone calls, and it was well over 10 times that number,” Fehr said, referring to the more than 120 calls made over three days at the fair.

COPP also conducted three joint patrols with Community Safety Officers and supported community events such as the RCMP Bike Rodeo, local parades and a social media campaign promoting safety awareness.

However, not all initiatives have gone as planned. Fehr noted that their efforts to expand a local outdoor security camera registry have been scaled back.

“We’ve been working hard, trying to grow it, and we’re — it feels like we’re pushing a rock up a hill,” he said. “So we’ll let it grow organically. We won’t discontinue, we just won’t put as much resources into it as we have, especially in the first quarter of this year.”

When asked about the reason for the setback, Fehr explained that people often misunderstand the privacy aspect of the program. He emphasized that without the permission of the property owner, the authorities cannot access any camera footage. Currently, there are around 500 registered outdoor cameras in the Battlefords.

Looking ahead, Fehr said the group is working to improve patrol effectiveness through member training in observation and recognition skills, with support from the RCMP.

“Really what we’re trying to do is make patrols more purposeful,” he said.

Mayor Kelli Hawtin praised COPP’s ongoing contributions to public safety.

“Over the last five years, we’ve seen a reduction in calls for service in the city — and over the last couple of years, a significant reduction in motor vehicle thefts,” Hawtin said. “I think patrolling is part of the plan. It’s part of what’s working. So your volunteers are very appreciated.”

Hawtin also encouraged residents to consider volunteering.

“COPP needs volunteers. They’ve got just over 30 members, and that’s about the number they’ve had for a few years,” she said. “With maybe one hour a month, or two hours a month, volunteers could really contribute to overall community safety.”

—

cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com