In October of 1998, the Enderby Detachment of the RCMP with the blessing of the city council and the Chamber of Commerce launched a program to provide extra "eyes and ears" to assist the local police in the deterrence of unlawful activity within the community.

The mandate of C.O.P.S., similar to other Citizens on Patrol organizations in other communities, is to "observe, report and record" while on patrol. No active participation or intervention is required at any time. On rare occasions appropriate assistance may be requested by an RCMP officer on duty.

A patrol consists of two citizens in one vehicle, one as a driver, the other as an observer and lasts four or five hours. One or two patrols are launched on active evenings, an active evening usually occurring on a weekend or when deemed to be effective by the commanding officer of the local RCM Police.

Tools used to facilitate the operation include: radios, cell phones, flashlights, clipboards and notebooks. Communication with RCMP members and other C.O.P.s on duty is assured at all times. Coming soon will be laptop computers which will enable members to check for stolen vehicles, an initiative of ICBC called the Stolen Automobile Recovery (SAR) program.

Currently, there are thirty active volunteers in the society with two or three new members waiting for clearance. In order to be effective and keep rotation at four week intervals, a roster of 40 would be ideal. New members are most welcome.

Requirements for enrolment include the age of 19 and residence in the area, security screening by the RCMP, and adherence to and a desire to uphold all the laws governing our jurisdiction. A vehicle is not mandatory for every patroller, however if provided must be in a safe operating condition according to the regulations set forth by the Department of Transport & ICBC. Token financial aid is offered to the driver/owner on each patrol in order to defray some of the cost of vehicle operation.

For further information please contact the NCO at the Enderby RCMP detachment, 838-6818