Citizens on Patrol
I recently became aware there exists a Citizens on Patrol group in Diamond Valley headed up by Ian Huffman, President. At this time, I am not aware of any other COP group in our area which doesn’t mean there isn’t one. I do know there was some investigation of starting one in the Priddis area a couple of years ago when there were multiple break-ins at the Priddis Water’s Edge Pub and at Rockies Pub in Bragg Creek.
I wanted to know what an active COP group actually does and so I contacted Ian who was a great resource providing me with information about their Diamond Valley group. Technically, their group is called the Diamond Valley Citizens on Patrol Society (“DVCOPS”). The societal designation means they are a legitimate, accountable, registered Alberta society.
DVCOPS was initially started in the late 1990’s and then died due to lack of interest a few years later. It was revived by Yvonne Machan in 2017 when vehicle thefts in Diamond Valley escalated. For her efforts she was the 2018 Black Diamond Citizen of the Year.
DVCOPS’ mission statement is “to act as eyes and ears for the Turner Valley R.C.M.P. In doing so we will help to reduce crime in our community. This is strictly a passive role and we do not involve ourselves in any incidents. We are to LOOK, LISTEN, RECORD AND REPORT”. The goal is crime reduction in the community with the resultant increased well-being of all those who live there.
Through public events and fundraisers, DVCOPS educates the community on ways they can protect themselves and their property. DVCOPS works in conjunction with the RCMP and are establishing a better relationship with the Town’s Community Protective Services.
The main anti-crime focus of the DVCOPS is that of actually being out patrolling the streets. Protocol stipulates that any patrol must have at least 2 members. Patrols can be in a vehicle, on foot or on bicycle. In 2021 there were over 100 patrols conducted in the Diamond Valley area. They do not follow a specific schedule and can occur anytime during a 24 hour day.
Sometimes the vehicles will have COP decals on the door, sometimes not. However, Patrollers have identification
on them that shows they are with the DVCOPS. Patrollers will be looking for suspicious behaviour or situations that require a remedy to thwart potential criminal behaviour. Garage doors left open may be addressed by knocking on the household door and informing the owner of the open door. Gates to a business left open would be addressed by calling the RCMP. Patrollers do not intervene in an active situation – they are there to observe, record and report.
Dash cams or cellphone cameras may also be utilized during a patrol.
Patrols were briefly suspended at the beginning of the COVID-19 situation until clarification was received from the Alberta Government that as long as the “Car Pool Rules” were followed, patrols could continue: mask wearing, proper distancing, thorough cleaning of items/vehicle afterward.
At the end of the patrol a report is completed, even if there is nothing to report, and copies go the DVCOPS
and the RCMP. More than 10% of the time something will be observed that is significant enough to report immediately.
At present, DVCOP has 16 members. Additional members are always welcome. You can contact DVCOP via email: diamondvalleycop53@gmail.com or the DVCOPS Facebook page for more information.
The DVCOPS will soon be installing road signs on community streets stating, “Diamond Valley Citizens on Patrol”. The intent is to raise awareness of the Society’s presence, to both community members, and potential criminals.
If you want to start a COP group in your area, go to the Alberta Citizens on Patrol Association website https://acopa.ca
Dave Schroeder
HCRCWA Board Member
