Mountain View County’s policies and priorities committee has been given an update on the activities and plans of the recently formed Olds Citizens on Patrol Society (OCPS).
The review came during the committee’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The OCPS was formed in 2016 with the goal of helping reduce crime in the area by working with police and other stakeholders.
There are currently 60 members, including nine board members.
Olds RCMP Const. Kurtis Milbrandt is the society’s police liaison.
Designated support from the Town of Olds comes from Coun. Heather Ryan and community facilitator Jennifer Lutz.
Patrols started in January 2018.
“Everyone can help with crime prevention,” Lutz told the committee. “We want to recruit and grow our program. We need people out there who are committed to going out.
“We are looking for more recruits all the time. We want to make a difference in the community.”
Lutz explained that OCPS's objectives are to “build relationships with the community," “support neighbouring community policing volunteer groups such as rural crime watch” and “to have fun while helping keep the community safe.”
Principal objectives of OCPS include the following:
- To share information and work together with the community to reduce crime and support crime prevention.
- Examine casual factors, patterns and behaviours with our community partners to influence crime reduction.
- Educate the community about crime prevention.
- Ensure RCMP detachment members and their families are supported by the community.
OCPS members do not patrol alone, chase vehicles or persons, make arrests, carry weapons, or support or take part in vigilante activities.
The OCPS patrols have been taking place in Olds and the immediate surrounding area.
All potential members are screened by RCMP before being allowed to join, she said.
OCPS has been conducting some joint training activities with other citizens on patrol groups in the region, she said.
“I think it’s a great program,” said Coun. Greg Harris.
Deputy Reeve Angela Aalbers added, “I want to commend all of the volunteers who are working towards a safer community.”
The policies and priorities committee is made up of county councillors.
For information on the OCPS, see www.oldscop.com.
