The Citizens on Patrol volunteer program was launched in April, 1995 through the Barrie Police Service and with members of the community. This initiative allows members of the public (both male and female) to join a program where they can supplement police patrols to help reduce crime by keeping a watch over their communities. The program, as at April 2006, has been operating for 11 years and has seen much success in its statistics and various awards presented to the group. The program is run entirely by its volunteer members with Sgt. George Cabral from the Barrie Police Community Service branch as the police liaison with the program.
Combined Initiative
Program Objectives
The first of its many objectives is to assist Barrie police Services in reducing crime in the community. This is done solely through observation and reporting by the volunteers. Information is relayed and updated by members on a continual basis, providing responding officers with updated information that can be vital in resolving a crime or diminishing an emergency-type situation. The program motto has been ‘we are the eyes and ears for Barrie Police’.
Another objective of this program is to share a closer relationship for a joint effort between the citizens of Barrie and the police service.
Training
All the necessary training is provided for all new members by the volunteers themselves. The emphasis of the training provided is the safety of its members. Observation, note taking and communication skills are also included to provide members with the best methods of patrolling and reporting. Being in a private vehicle allows members to patrol the city and keep their eyes and ears open for any suspicious activity. Tools to complete the patrols are provided by Barrie Police Services.
Anyone – both male and female, 19 years of age and older can complete an application to join. The application also includes permission for a background police check. A driver’s license and vehicle is an asset, however is not required – as members travel two persons per vehicle. The commitment for each member is one patrol - five consecutive hours - per month.
The Barrie Citizens on Patrol program has proven, year after year, that the training provided, together with actively taking part and fulfilling your commitment will result in the reduction of criminal activity. The one, very important statistic that cannot be provided is the amount of criminal activity that has been eliminated by the patrols.
Members of the Barrie Citizens on Patrol program have neither the authority nor the mandate to make arrests, nor to take any action(s) that might jeopardize their own safety or that of the public.
