The Sechelt Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.) Society is officially insured, has T-shirts on the way and patrols have started.
The only thing missing, says co-founder Gary Trinder, is more volunteers. Trinder and Sarah Rose Birge formed the society last fall, in response to what many consider is a growing increase in crime in Sechelt. At that time, they were still working on some details, such as completing their website and securing insurance, but with final t’s crossed and i’s dotted, they’re anxious to recruit more volunteers.
“I guess people are just busy, right? And some people are working two or three jobs and stuff,” said Trinder. “Also, a week or two ago, before the clocks went forward, it was wet and cold. Hopefully, now that it's a bit lighter in the evenings, maybe we can encourage more people to get out.”
So far there’s about 10 volunteers, including Trinder and Birge, who have completed the application process, including a criminal records check, which the Sunshine Coast RCMP will process for free for C.O.P. volunteers.
“Everybody has to go through that and it's the last step, just to make sure that we're not taking anybody on that's got some sort of dubious past that we need to be concerned about,” said Trinder. “It’s been no problem at all. People apply for it themselves. They just take a letter, a form letter that we have identifying what the program is, and then the RCMP doesn't charge for the check.”
Trinder said he got the idea for a volunteer-driven group after attending two community safety meetings last summer, held by the District of Sechelt in partnership with the RCMP, in response to concerns from many residents about increased crime. Meanwhile, Birge was also becoming concerned about a reported escalation in crime.
It was that common desire to take action that brought the two in contact with each other in the first place, as well as social media, including a community WhatsApp chat group.
Trinder says the society follows the code-of-conduct and guidelines other C.O.P. groups across Canada adhere to. Patrols must be made up of at least two people and they can walk or drive. Some training is provided and, unfortunately, no dogs are allowed.
“Obviously we don't want people turning up with, you know, Rottweilers or German shepherds, because, that could go many, many different ways. You can just imagine,” said Trinder. “But even something like that simple rule has put a couple of people off and they’ve said, ‘I'd like to go out walking with my dog.’ And I tell them they can but just not in an official C.O.P. capacity.”
Volunteers are asked to commit to four hours of patrol each month and they can choose where and when they want to be out walking or driving. Trinder says that could mean one or two hours per week or four hours in a single day, whichever they prefer.
Meanwhile, Trinder has been attending community association meetings offering tips on crime prevention.
He adds, anyone looking for more information about volunteering for C.O.P. can visit their website secheltcop.ca, or drop by the Sechelt Seniors Activity Centre April 12, when the Rotary Club is hosting its fourth annual Volunteer Fair, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the Sechelt C.O.P will have a table.
