In conjunction with the District of Summerland RCMP detachment, the District supports the following programs in an effort to reduce and prevent crime in the community.

Citizens on Patrol

The District of Summerland RCMP operates a “Citizens on Patrol” program in local neighbourhoods. The program uses volunteers to monitor areas where the community is requesting more patrolling and where history shows crime to be likely to occur.

Volunteers are paired up, given a combination cell phone/radio and will patrol in their own vehicles looking for any criminal activity, with the goal of observing and reporting crime in progress. The volunteers receive training on what to look for, particularly implicit signs that a crime may be about to occur such as persons acting suspiciously.

The decision to start this program in Summerland was prompted by the success of similar programs in other communities and is part of the way the RCMP is expanding its level of service through the use of volunteers.

(1-800-222-8477(TIPS))

To report tips and for information about the programs.

South Okanagan Similkameen - Crime Stoppers

Interested in Volunteering with COPs?

To be eligible, volunteers must be nineteen years of age or older, be of good character, and be able to pass the security screening required by the RCMP. Volunteers must commit to a minimum number of patrols as designated by the program and will be expected to attend training sessions and meetings as required.

Patrols are usually carried out on Friday and Saturday nights. Some areas have daytime patrols and still others may go out more frequently, dependent on volunteer availability. Some volunteers are trained in Traffic Direction and Control. Duties and involvement will differ from area to area.

To assist, contact the community policing section at (250) 494-7416.

Block Watch Program

Block Watch is all about neighbours helping neighbours. Operated by the local RCMP of the District of Summerland, Block Watch is a free crime prevention program that makes safety the number one priority for you, your home and your community.

The force behind the success of Block Watch is you. Participants of the program watch out for each other’s homes and report suspicious activity to the police and one another to reduce the likelihood of residential crime. Aided by a map of names, addresses and telephone numbers, each block of households, apartments and condominiums form a communication chain. This vital link becomes the mouthpiece for your neighbourhood, sending a message to would-be criminals: THEY ARE NOT WELCOME.

How do I Start a Block Watch in My Neighbourhood?

Block Watch requires the participation of two or more members of your block, apartment building or condominium to act as Block Captain and Co-Captain. Once selected, they must attend an evening training session at the RCMP detachment where they will receive a criminal record check application form.

Their next step is to hold a meeting of interested neighbours to explain the program. All that remains is to make a block map, which is submitted to assign your neighbourhood a block number. The District will then install a Block Watch sign on your block and participants will receive decals for doors and windows, indicating that property within have been marked for identification.

Road Safety Vision 2010

The RCMP’s Traffic Services in British Columbia have made what is likely to be one of the biggest commitments of its history. They have agreed to be held accountable for meeting the goals of Road Safety Vision 2010.

The plan was adopted by the Council of Ministers of Transportation and Highway Safety in 1996, and sets the ambitious goal of making Canada’s roads the safest in the world.

The national target calls for a 30% decrease in the average number of road users killed and seriously injured during the 2008-2010 period over comparable 1996-2001 figures.

Drugs & Organized Crime Awareness Service

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Mission Statement:

The RCMP Drugs & Organized Crime Awareness Service is committed through partnerships to making communities safer and healthier by reducing substance abuse and its related problems.

Beliefs:

Everyone has the right to a life free from substance abuse and its effects.
Children are vulnerable and are entitled to our protection.
Well-informed people will strive for a society free of substance abuse.
Substance abuse negatively affects the safety and quality of life of our communities.
Substance abuse prevention is crime prevention.
A balanced approach to prevention includes education, enforcement and treatment.
Substance abusers deserve effective treatment.
We can make a difference through innovative partnerships.
Promoting a balanced approach to prevention, enforcement and treatment.
Providing factual information on substance abuse issues.
Supporting enforcement initiatives.
Encouraging, mobilizing and supporting community-driven initiatives that reflect our Mission, Vision and Belief. Mobilizing the community to get involved.

The Drugs & Organized Crime Awareness Service is coordinated by specially trained RCMP members at the National, Provincial and Municipal levels. They work in partnership with other police departments, governments and non-governmental agencies, private organizations and other community groups to provide pro-active initiatives in schools, communities and workplaces. They are committed to the following:

Promoting the benefits of a lifestyle free of substance abuse to employees and families of the RCMP.
Providing leadership, training, programs and coordination on substance abuse issues.