The director of Naramata is trying to bring back the watchful eye of citizens.
Karla Kozakevich, Naramata’s director on the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen board, is looking to bring back Citizens on Patrol, which was disbanded for the area in 2008.
“In speaking with the RCMP about improving policing in our community, a lot of the issues we had were trying to deal with our bylaw enforcement,” Kozakevich said.
The contracted bylaw officer in Naramata is on-call 24 hours a day, but the RCMP response out of Penticton is based on priority.
“It’s just one of the steps I’m trying to incorporate to improve policing in our community,” Kozakevich said.
Citizens on Patrol ceased operations in Naramata in September of 2008 because of dwindling volunteer numbers.
“Sometimes we have the same volunteers doing many things in the community and you just get worn out,” Kozakevich said.
Kozakevich tried to bring the group back two years ago, but was only able to muster up three volunteers.
The minimum amount of volunteers required to reboot the program is six, and according to Kozakevich she already has eight people interested, a few of whom have volunteered in the past. That six-person threshold is “bare bones minimum” she said.
The program may differ from past versions, but the idea of more eyes on the street remains the same.
“I think there have been some changes since 2008, so maybe a new approach to how things are done,” Kozakevich said.
“I’d really like to get up to 10 or 12 (volunteers) to really get things rolling,” Kozakevich said.
The qualifications are minimal. Free time and the use of your own transportation, as well as a criminal record check with the RCMP. The patrolling citizens will take on different routes based on the season or community needs, or information gained from the RCMP. There is also one member who will be needed for
“The RCMP said they will be able to give us crime stats. So we will be able to see where there has been (break and enter’s) and different issues, so we can plan our routes around that,” Kozakevich said.
Kozakevich hopes to hold a community meeting with the RCMP in April to talk about the structure of the program and the changes that have been made since 2008 with those who offer to volunteer.