The new Jeep Wrangler was unveiled during a ceremony at RCMP Battlefords Detachment. The Jeep is the first dedicated patrol vehicle to join the COPP in service. (Julia Lovett-Squires/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Julia Lovett-Squires

COPP Jeep

Battlefords COPP welcomes new four-wheeled member to team

Nov 1, 2023 | 6:00 AM

At an unveiling ceremony at the RCMP Battlefords detachment, the volunteer-based Battlefords Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP) welcomed a new member of their task force – a 2023 hybrid Jeep Wrangler.

It’s the first dedicated patrol vehicle the program has had with the group of volunteers set to use it as part of a two-year $30,000 lease pilot.

“We feel it’s going to add a lot to our crime prevention and deterrence efforts,” said Doug Fehr, Battlefords Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP).

Fehr explained the support for the initiative was critical as the leasing required special financing, which is being provided from a Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC) grant, along with additional funding from COPP activities and from local donors including the City of North Battleford, the Town of Battleford, Ultra Print, FFUN Dodge, and Beaver Grill Restaurant.

“We don’t have a lot of resources and so to have BATC step forward with the resources that they did is wonderful, as well, we’ve had the business community respond quite positively,” added Fehr.

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According to Tracy Benson with the BATC Community Development Corporation, it was a good opportunity for the organization to help with the project, which began with a grant application roughly a year ago.

The project also brought something else to the forefront: collaboration.

“It absolutely means reconciliation with our nations as well as our surrounding communities, especially for the Battlefords, like building that partnership and coming together to help make home safe… well, our community safer.”

Now that the patrol car has been revealed, it will begin its service this Halloween evening and according to Jesse Gilbert, detachment commander for the Battlefords RCMP, there is a two-fold benefit.

“It’s going to attract people who might be a little hesitant in using their own vehicle for patrols, but I also think it signifies a lot of community support for the program, which is really nice to see,” he said.

Gilbert added that being able to have the unveiling offers a chance to show the communities what they are accomplishing.

“You can tell people that you’re working on things and that you’re working behind the scenes, but a lot of the work that COPP does, most people don’t get to see it.”

“This is a community that everyone seems to be working towards the same goal,” said Gilbert.

Meanwhile, Fehr said that there is still room for sponsors to come on board and join the cause. For more information you can email coppnb@outlook.com.