Citizens on Patrol in Okotoks is looking to expand as the population and town continue to grow.

Denyse Gieger, group president, says they would like to double their numbers in order to be a larger resource in our growing town.

"Currently we have about 18 members and we're able to cover 1 patrol on every Friday and Saturday night in a month. We're looking to double our numbers so that we can have two cars out on every weekend night, and also to have extra patrols out when there's other things going on in town and night's like Halloween etc."

Gieger says her group has helped to remove intoxicated drivers from the streets, and by having a presence in the community is a crime deterrent.

"By being in an area like the Skateboard park, or different parking lots like churches, businesses and schools, and lighting up our flashlights, looking in all the nooks and crannies, it tells people that someone is out there looking and that itself is a deterrent. That someone is out there looking and it's not just the RCMP keeping an eye on what's going on."

Gieger says what being a Citizen on Patrol really comes down to, is just being an active member of the community, who's willing to get out and look out for trouble.

"We're a volunteer group of citizens who use our vehicles and our gas, and work in conjunction with the RCMP.  We patrol on 4-5 hour shifts in pairs, and have direct contact with the RCMP. Basically, we just look for things that are suspicious, out of place or not normal."

The group does have a minimum time commitment for their volunteers.

They ask that every member commit to at least one patrol, and must attend the monthly meeting which can be a 2 hour commitment.

Citizens on Patrol is a non-profit organization, they are in need of supply donations or businesses / organizations to partner with to help them keep their patrols supplied.

For more information on how to apply, or help out you can reach Gieger by emailing okotokscop@gmail.com.

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