Town of Battleford council at Monday's meeting looked at a COPP request for funding. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

More volunteers needed

Town gives Citizens on Patrol Program a boost

Nov 22, 2022 | 1:55 PM

The Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) received a little more support at the Town of Battleford’s meeting Monday.

Council gave the OK to town administration’s recommendation to approve the COPP request for a funding contribution of $500 for the 2023 year.

The group’s vice-chairperson, Doug Fehr, said in his letter that the funding would be earmarked to reimburse volunteer members for fuel and maintenance costs for their personal vehicles used on patrol, and to create two COPP-logoed pop-up banners to be used at community events to increase awareness about the COPP.

He said the COPP has applied for grant funding from the City of North Battleford also.

“We’ll also be approaching other organizations for funding over the next three months, as we anticipate greater financial needs as our group grows,” Fehr said.

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Town CAO Ash Alam said the $500 contribution to COPP will be reflected in the town’s 2023 budget. The funding will be disbursed in February.

Coun. Judy Pruden mentioned the group is still looking for volunteers to conduct patrols, as well as non-patrolling members to help with administration work and other details.

She added there is only one patroller from the town so far, so program organizers hope to see more volunteers from Battleford join the group.

Mayor Ames Leslie said he appreciates hearing the group is trying to make the town a priority for patrols.

Following council’s meeting, Leslie said the COPP group is doing good work, that is appreciated.

“I think it was a very modest ask,” he said. “I think it is going to go to good use. Hopefully, they come back in this next year and ask for some more funding, and maybe [we’ll] increase the amount.”

Leslie took the opportunity to encourage more people to join the non-profit group to help prevent crime.

“If we can get more volunteers in Battleford and get a bigger program of people who are dedicated to doing some shifts and some patrols over here, we would really highly appreciate it,” he said. “They can reach out to Town Hall here or Citizens on Patrol.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow