Find out what is involved

Want to Start A Patrol in your community?

manitoba Citizens on Patrol Program is accepting new Groups

Starting a group

step 1 - identify a need

Any individuals or groups who identify a safety concern in their community can consider establishing a local COPP group and can apply to join the MB COPP Program.

Step 2 - Contact us

Contact Us by clicking on the contact form below. A regional representative may be available to come and talk to anyone interested in COPP.

Step 3 - Apply to Join

Manitoba COPP will provide groups with support and resources - including the necessary equipment and training to establish their COPP group.

Step 4 - Establish Policies & Procedures

We have guidelines for the groups to adhere to in order to keep everyone safe.

Establishing Citizens on Patrol program in your community

Community members play a crucial role in COPP. The program would not exist without their support and dedication.

Any individuals or groups who identify a safety concern in their community can consider establishing a local COPP group and can apply to join the provincial program.

Manitoba COPP will provide groups with support and resources, including the necessary equipment and training to establish their COPP group.

How to start and run a COPP group (overview)

Contact the Manitoba COPP or your local law enforcement office for direction and support. A Regional Representative may be available to come and talk to anyone interested in COPP.
After a community meeting and/or reading all the information, if the group decides to organize the program, they will need to receive approval from their local law enforcement agency to start the group

Establish Executive

volunteers are needed to coordinate this program
law enforcement agencies may provide support with a police liaison officer for guidance

Apply to join the manitoba cOPP for further support

submit Group Registration Application
once approved, sign Group Letter of Agreement

Establish policies & Procedures

identify the patrol area
recruit additional volunteers
have volunteers complete an application form
volunteers must apply for a criminal record search through their local police agency (the fee may be waived for COPP applicants)
the cleared criminal record search must be supplied to the group coordinator by the applicant
the coordinator advises the applicant if they have been accepted

Arrange and participate in volunteer training

A Manitoba COPP trainer may come to your community to provide the member training session or request you to attend at a common facility.

Obtain Patrol equipment (member and group)

MB COPP will supply the necessary equipment
If possible, arrange for a central location with 24-hour access for storage of the shared group
equipment, if possible. Examples – Police station, hospital, health centre, gas station/convenience store

Schedule your member volunteers

scheduling system needs to be discussed and arranged

Volunteers must complete an application form and apply for a criminal record search coordinated with MB COPP through their local police agency.

(the fee may be waived for COPP applicants)

The cleared criminal record search must be supplied to the group coordinator by the applicant.

The coordinator advises the applicant if they have been accepted.

Patrol

scheduling system needs to be discussed and arranged
go out as an extra set of eyes and ears for your community and the police to help reduce crime. Be on the look-out for any suspicious or criminal activity, document this activity, and where appropriate report such activities to the police.
submit monthly patrol hours and volunteer hours to the MB COPP.

Other

set up monthly/regular meetings with your group

Contact Us

Apply to join the Manitoba COPP for further support.
Submit Group Registration Application.
Once approved, sign Group Letter of Agreement.