OXBOW — Tara Allen is optimistic that Southeast Citizens on Patrol chapters could be launched in additional southeast communities before the end of May.
Allen has been trying to bring a chapter to Oxbow, and other communities, including Alameda, Glen Ewen and Gainsborough. have also stepped forward. Alida already has a program. A public information session was held May 9 at the Oxbow Memorial Hall, and a training session happened May 22.
The public information meeting attracted people from throughout the southeast corner of the province. Allen said it offered an overview of what the program actually is, how it works, what's expected of members and its rules and regulation.
"A few had questions. Most of the people that were there were ones that were looking at joining anyways, and then there was some who joined after the public information session that I didn't know were looking at joining," said Allen.
The training session had 40 people from Oxbow, Gainsborough and Glen Ewen, and 15 more wanted to attend but couldn't make it. Their criminal record checks have been completed, she said.
Participants learned more about the rules they have to follow.
"[It covered] Calling into dispatch, letting them know you're going out," said Allen. "Calling back into dispatch, letting them know that you're done. How to fill out reports and that kind of stuff, and equipment that would be needed that would be good for going out on patrol, in terms of flashlights, binoculars and dashcams."
Two people told her they wanted to join after the training session. No prospective members have dropped out due to the training or the public information events.
The next step is to have their ID badges laminated. Photos have been sent to the RCMP. They have to order some equipment, and they hope to be patrolling communities next week.
Community liaisons will have a meeting before the end of the month.
"We're letting people just let us know when they want to go out, because there's no set time. If they want to be out driving around during the day, they can be out driving around in the day. If they want to do it at night, they can do it at night."
Area businesses have provided donations for purchasing equipment for the patrol members, she said.
The Alida chapter has been very supportive of the other communities' efforts, she said. And the Carnduff RCMP continues to help. Staff Sgt. Michel Chateauneuf continues to be on board, and one of the community liaisons is from the Carnduff detachment.
Allen hopes to have chapters in as many communities as possible to help enhance community safety throughout the southeast.
