To help keep their communities safe, hundreds of Manitoba volunteers will be taking to the streets May 1-7 as part of the second annual Citizens on Patrol Week.

Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) members will carry out a number of special activities within their communities, including Manitoba Public Insurance vehicle audits, speed-reader board installations and community presentations with local police liaison officers on crime prevention.

A highlight of the week will be a province-wide patrol on Thursday, May 4 to raise awareness of the program.

“This grassroots program has successfully stopped criminal activities and heightened people’s awareness of public safety,” Attorney General Gord Mackintosh said today. “I can think of no better way to recognize the fine efforts of these volunteers than to have a special week for the Citizens on Patrol.”

COPP mobilizes citizens to participate in community-based crime prevention initiatives in co-operation with local police. Members work to deter crime by serving as additional eyes and ears in their communities and educating other citizens about crime prevention.

Nearly 1,600 Manitobans are COPP volunteers, with 69 active groups throughout the province. Last year, COPP members accumulated 16,814 patrol hours and 31,216 volunteer hours.

A provincial network -- co-ordinated through Manitoba Public Insurance and supported by Manitoba Justice, the RCMP and the Winnipeg Police Service -- is responsible for meeting the needs of community-based COPP groups.

“With our commitment to make communities safer and reduce auto theft, our corporation has a vested interest in COPP,” said Marilyn McLaren, President and CEO of Manitoba Public Insurance. “We take this partnership very seriously, assigning one of our employees to co-ordinate the program, helping them to share knowledge and information,” said McLaren.

Manitobans interested in joining or learning more about the Citizens on Patrol Program can find information on the organization’s website, www.citizensonpatrol.mb.ca, or calling the Provincial Co-Ordinator at 985-8849, or toll free at 1-866-326-7792.

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