The province and Manitoba Public Insurance are once again drawing special attention to the more than 1,700 Manitobans who volunteer their time each year to keep their communities safe.
This weekend marks the start of the 14th annual Citizens on Patrol week, designed to recognize members of Manitoba’s 57 active Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) groups. COPP mobilizes citizens to participate in a community-based crime prevention initiative in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies.
“These volunteers are dedicated to reducing crime within their neighborhoods and that is something we believe should be commended,” said Attorney General Gord Mackintosh, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. “The grassroots program continues to be instrumental in preventing crime and assisting local police agencies.”
COPP groups display speed-reader boards (provided by Manitoba Public Insurance), patrol at school crossing zones, identify impaired drivers on the road and conduct seatbelt and cell phone use surveys in conjunction with the RCMP.
“COPP volunteers put in countless hours of time and effort, all with the goal of protecting their communities,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “In addition to the work these individuals do to patrol their communities, they also continue to be an integral part of our efforts to raise awareness of road safety risks and to keep Manitobans safe.”
COPP Week (Oct. 25 to Oct. 31) kicks off this weekend with a provincial conference in Winnipeg where program representatives from across Manitoba will meet to share successes and discuss how to continue providing value to the communities in which these volunteer groups operate.
In addition to providing funding for COPP, Manitoba Public Insurance offers coordination assistance in co-operation with Manitoba Justice, Manitoba Housing, the Winnipeg Police Service, the RCMP, the Brandon Police Service and other municipal police services.
Manitobans interested in joining or learning more about the Citizens on Patrol Program can visit the organization’s website or call the provincial coordinator at 204-985-8849 or toll free at 1-866-326-7792.
