Citizens on Patrol Volunteers

Citizens on Patrol (COP Program)IMG_1763.jpg

The Greater Sudbury Police Service is looking for a few good men and women to mobilize and make a difference in their community. Your volunteer time will be spent patrolling our City's neighbourhoods deterring crime by providing additional eyes and ears in the community. Volunteers provide mobile observation in the community in groups of two and report suspicious or concerning behaviour to the Greater Sudbury Police.

Program Information
Citizens On Patrol is a community-based initiative involving specially-trained volunteers to work with the police providing additional eyes and ears in the community. The Program works closely with Citizen Committees, which are already established throughout the City of Greater Sudbury, whose role is to assist the Police in setting priorities for problem solving and enforcement strategies within their communities.

Citizens On Patrol was officially launched in October 2005 as a one-year pilot project in Capreol and Nickel Centre. The program utilized volunteers who were selected and trained by the Police Service.

cops-1.jpgCitizens on Patrol comprises members of the community who volunteer their time patrolling the community in teams of three. Two members are in a COP vehicle with a mandate to detect suspicious, disruptive, and criminal behaviour. Upon witnessing something unusual or suspicious, the observation volunteers will communicate the appropriate information via radio to the third member, who is on dispatch. The dispatcher then relays the information to the Police Service, who will in turn deploy officers to the area to investigate the situation.

After one year in operation, the Citizens On Patrol Program had 25 active volunteers. As of January 2010, there are 120 active volunteers in the Citizens On Patrol program, which now operates out of eight locations across the Greater Sudbury Region. There are units located in: Azilda, Chelmsford and Levack, Capreol, Copper Cliff, New Sudbury, Nickel Centre, Sudbury (downtown), Valley East, and Walden. This Program is under the supervision of the Greater Sudbury Police Service Human Resources Branch, the COP Police Liaison Officer, and the Volunteer Coordinator.

Mission, Goals, and Objectives
Mission: To build safer communities by mobilizing citizens throughout Sudbury to participate in a community-based crime prevention initiative in cooperation with the local law enforcement agencies.

Goals: To encourage, mobilize, and support individuals and groups interested in and dedicated to improving the safety of Sudbury's communities through a coordinated sustainable approach.

Objectives: Deterrence - to provide a presence in the community through patrolling in a vehicle; Education - to provide education to Sudburians on crime prevention through information displays; Awareness - to increase Sudburians awareness of crime-related issues.

For further information on the Program, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at (705) 675-9171 extension 2335.

Want to Join the COP Team?
If you are interested in making a mark in your community by becoming a member of this program, please complete the application form (provided below). Resumes and completed application forms may be sent electronically or by mail.

Greater Sudbury Police Service
Volunteer OfficeIMG_5512.JPG
190 Brady Street
Sudbury, Ontario
P3E 1C7

Volunteer Job Description

Greater Sudbury COP Volunteer

Position: COP Patrol Member

Tasks and Responsibilities:
  • Be the "Eyes and Ears" of the community
  • Patrol the community by vehicle
  • Identify suspicious or concerning behaviour and report to Police Liaison Officer
  • Maintain awareness of community crime deterrence activities and initiatives
  • Assist in increasing awareness and providing crime prevention information to local citizens, businesses, and community organizations
  • Keep and maintain proper records
  • Follow COP policies and procedures
  • Maintain a positive and respectful presence in the community
  • Treat all people with courtesy and respect
  • Maintain confidentiality at all times

    Qualifications:

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • In good health
  • Must pass Police background check
  • Good interpersonal skills and communications skills
  • Possess positive attitude and ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to work responsibly with minimal supervision
  • Ability to work in a professional manner
  • Willing to participate in training sessions

  • Benefits:

  • Opportunity to contribute to the well-being of your community and your region in a meaningful and tangible way
  • Building a feeling of personal satisfaction knowing that you are proactively helping improve safety in your community
  • Opportunity to meet and participate with like-minded individuals who share a similar goal
  • Opportunity to build interpersonal skills

  • Time Commitment:

    Minimum of 12 hours per month

    Training:

    Training sessions

    Volunteer manual

    To access the COP application form, click here. For more information, send us an email!