WESTLOCK – As more and more people return to their pre-pandemic routines, local organizations, including the Westlock Citizens on Patrol Association (COPA), are looking to bounce back.
“COVID impacted us pretty bad because of the restrictions. We couldn’t patrol, we couldn’t do a lot of things and we couldn’t even have meetings there for a while,” said Westlock Citizens on Patrol Association and Alberta president Garth Kohlsmith. “We’re the eyes and ears for the RCMP and for the community, too.”
They have since returned to in-person, regular meetings on the last Tuesday of every month, at the Legion. The organization was created in August 2010 and prior to the pandemic had about 18 volunteers. Despite losing several volunteers over the past 24 months, they remain committed to their purpose and continue to patrol the area.
“We’re out and about. It’s crime prevention — people see us around and they got to go,” said Kohlsmith, noting they patrol the Town of Westlock as well as the Village of Clyde and Pickardville.
Patrols vary from week to week depending on availability of the volunteer. Kohlsmith said they patrol in pairs, and everyone must always have a partner. He also stressed they do not engage with any crime situation. “We see something, we report it to the RCMP and then we go home to a safe distance away.”
”We try and emphasize even to our members that if you’re sitting at home and you see something, call the police — don’t try and solve it yourself,” he added.
At their most recent meeting May 30, they discussed community happenings, plans for future patrols, and welcomed an RCMP liaison who provided a crime report and shared some tips and suggestions on what the local group should be doing and what to look for while on patrol. Kohlsmith also noted they are looking for more volunteers.
“Anybody that wants to join has to sign a confidentiality form plus they have to have a criminal record check,” said Kohlsmith. “We’re starting to get very active, we’re doing a lot more things. Things are starting to pick up all over.”
The Westlock Citizens on Patrol Association will be participating in a fundraiser this spring with the Fawcett COPA chapter on June 15 and one later this summer with the Westlock COPA group, in August.
