COPP volunteers receiving their challenge coins from Mayor Kelli Hawtin. (Image Credit: City of North Battleford)

By Alyssa Rudolph

COPP REPORT

Three decades of service and record year for Citizens on Patrol

Feb 10, 2026 | 11:39 AM

Citizens on Patrol Program volunteers were presented with challenge coins from the City of North Battleford to recognize a record year and 30 years of service.  

Last year, COPP patrolled 51,069 blocks over 463 volunteer hours in the Battlefords. The chairperson for the program said those numbers made it a record year in terms of mileage, patrol dates, and membership.  

“We had at least one patrol in 46 weeks out of 52,” said Doug Fehr. “Something called Christmas and New Year seemed to get in the way of 52 out of 52, but that was our goal.” 

COPP also made 42 calls for service over the year; that is something they did not previously keep records of. Those calls were made to RCMP, Community Safety Officers, and local fire departments. Those helped to assist in identifying two fires, several impaired drivers, and two individuals on outstanding warrants.  

Fehr said COPP will continue to work closely with RCMP and CSOs. Without their support, volunteers would struggle to know where to patrol.  

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“One piece we don’t receive very well is information from the average citizen. If they have a concern with a certain area, they can express that through the RCMP, CSOs, or us directly as well,” he said. 

The number of patrollers continues to climb. Last year, 45 patrollers volunteered their time compared to 36 in 2024. COPP is encouraging community members over the age of 18 to join their service to encourage safety in the Battlefords. 

“We’ll provide training; you provide us one patrol a month on your schedule, your choice of time of day or night with your partner of choice,” said Fehr. 

However, volunteer hours are not only spent on patrols. 181 hours were spent over the year helping to provide community service. 

“Our group has increased the number of non-patrol hours over several years in order to support our Child Reunite service at Territorial Days, the RCMP Bike Rodeo, RCMP Community Barbecue, and RCMP Cram the Cruiser, the CSO packed the patrol unit, the Battle for Street Festival, and two summer parades,” Fehr said. 

Mayor Kelli Hawtin presented COPP volunteers with challenge coins during the regular council meeting on Feb 9.  

“Challenge coins have long been a symbol of respect, unity, and gratitude, gifted to mark moments of service that truly matter,” she said. “Today, we would like to present these challenge coins to Citizens on Patrol. For three decades, you have committed to patrolling, protecting, and keeping our community safe, and it truly has a lasting impact.” 

COPP is looking forward to increased numbers of members and dates patrolled in 2026.   

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Alyssa.rudolph@pattisonmedia.com