Diamond Valley citizens mulling over the possibility of becoming an extra set of eyes and ears for their community can learn more this week.
Yvonne Machan, who is reviving the defunct Citizens on Patrol (COP) program in Black Diamond and Turner Valley, is hosting a public information session at the Sheep River Library in Turner Valley Jan. 26 at 7 p.m.
“The RCMP want to get an overview of what people expect of the program,” she said. “We want to see if we have the numbers to start it and go from there.”
Machan was an enthusiastic member of the COP program in the 1990s and early 2000s, before it folded because of lack of interest.
Machan is working with sister-in-law Loral Luchia to get residents interested in patrolling the streets again in their own vehicles to report suspicious activity to the RCMP. Machan said participants record information and contact police, and do not approach persons involved in suspicious activity.
Machan is working with the Turner Valley RCMP and Alberta Citizens on Patrol Association to get the program off the ground, including becoming incorporated and getting a liaison officer with the local detachment.
Machan said she would like to have a minimum of 20 volunteers between the two communities.
People can fill out application forms to volunteer at the meeting. Volunteers must have a drivers’ license, criminal record check and attend regular training.
Machan decided to revive the program last fall after reading complaints on a local Facebook group of vehicle thefts that were occurring in the communities and received a lot of interest after posting her idea on social media.
In the past few weeks, the vocal interest has dwindled, she said.
“It kind of feels like when all the crime was happening here everyone was having their two cents worth,” she said.
“The crime slowed down and everyone quieted down. I’m hoping they’re just waiting for this to get going. Hopefully this meeting will be a start.”
Even if very few people show up to the meeting, Machan said she will keep pushing to get the initiative going.
“I’m just going to keep trying,” she said. “I’m not going to give up.”
If you are unable to attend the meeting but are interested in being a part of the program contact Yvonne Machan at 403-933-5818, 403-988-5537 or [email protected]
