WESTLOCK – Since its inception in August 2010, the Westlock Citizens on Patrol (COP) has been helping combat crime. The group has grown to include 24 members in Westlock, five in Vimy, and 13 in Fawcett.
Their volunteers act as the “eyes and ears” of the community, working closely with the RCMP, sheriffs, and bylaw officers to keep neighbourhoods safe, said Westlock COP President Garth Kohlsmith.
Westlock RCMP S/Sgt Jeff Sehn said the work that Westlock COP volunteers do is invaluable.
“They are a fantastic organization that add additional eyes and ears from a community perspective for police. They are a proactive multiplier that allow the police to be even more proactive in addressing crime.”
Sehn said the Westlock COP partner with the RCMP, and other groups, and are “extremely dedicated to improving the safety of residents and “greatly attributes to the safety of the region.”
They also help educate area residents through crime prevention presentations to make the community safer, added Sehn.
COP volunteers patrol the streets in pairs, day or night, looking for anything out of the ordinary—suspicious vehicles, individuals, or activities. If they spot something concerning, they call 911 or the RCMP directly.
“There could be [dangers] but if we see something that could be dangerous, we call RCMP and move to a safe area,” said Kohlsmith.
The group’s efforts are entirely volunteer-driven, and they rely on community support to fund their operations. While they receive a small amount of funding from the Town of Westlock, most of their resources come from fundraisers and donations.
“We use the money for equipment, very good flashlights, night vision binoculars and also fuel for patrolling,” said Kohlsmith.
Community involvement and outreach
Kohlsmith said Westlock COP actively engages with the community through events and presentations aimed at crime prevention. They’ve partnered with the RCMP to host Coffee with a Cop sessions. These events provide residents with an opportunity to discuss local issues, ask questions, and learn about crime prevention efforts.
“Coffee with a Cop events got started early [last] year thanks to the initiative of our Staff Sgt Jeff Sehn in an effort to inform community residents about any issues the RCMP were dealing with as well as an opportunity for residents to ask questions and/or make comments about anything concerning them,” according to the COP newsletter. “At least one or two RCMP attended each and every one of these sessions always taking the opportunity of inviting anyone interested to join our volunteer group.”
Sehn said he wanted to start the Coffee with a Cop events for several reasons.
“I think it is important for the residents we serve to have an open line of communication for transparency, accountability, and to ensure we are immediately responsive to needs and concerns," said Sehn. "The initiative is a partnership with the Town of Westlock, Westlock County, and the Village of Clyde which gives all residents in the region a chance to discuss things with both their police service and elected representatives in one spot.”
The Town of Westlock mayor and councillors often attend the Coffee with a Cop session and provide the coffee and pastries for attendees, said Kohlsmith.
Westlock COP has also taken their outreach to smaller communities like Jarvie, Fawcett, and Flatbush, hosting similar events to encourage dialogue and collaboration, said Kohlsmith. In addition, they’ve organized Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) presentations, teaching residents how to make their homes and yards less vulnerable to crime.
Sehn said the RCMP are seeing positive outcomes from all of COP’s efforts.
“Since this has started there have been some great and notable results. People have a chance to learn and ask about policing initiatives, strategies that we are employing, and how the legal system is addressing offenders. It also allows everyone to begin to get to know each other on a more personal basis.”
Giving back to the community
In November, Westlock COP volunteers set up a warming station during the town’s Christmas parade, serving 300 free hot dogs and over 500 cups of hot chocolate to parade-goers, which were provided to COP by local sponsors. They also supported local Christmas programs at R.F. Staples High School and Pembina Lodge.
Kohlsmith was the past president of the Alberta Citizens on Patrol Association and has worked to promote the benefits of COP programs across the province, staying in touch with over 70 local COP groups in Alberta.
In January alone, Westlock COP completed 45 patrol hours, covering over 630 kilometers.
Westlock COP is always looking for more volunteers.
“The type of people that make the best volunteers are someone who is interested in their community,” said Kohlsmith.
Prospective members must undergo a criminal record check and a short interview with the group’s executive. Those interested can email the group at [email protected]. Or they can call 780-307-8226 or 780-349-4024. Their mailing address to make donations is: Westlock Citizens on Patrol Association, c/o RCMP Westlock Detachment, 10807-104 Avenue, Westlock, Alberta T7P 1B3.
