New C.O.P.P. Program For Gladstone

Last night saw a very satisfying turnout in Gladstone for a community discussion on the formation of a Citizens On Patrol Program (C.O.P.P.) group in the town. That's from a concerned resident named Doug, who wanted to see a local presence of the organization. Doug describes the numbers.

"I was very pleased at the turnout tonight, and the outcome. All I can say is I'm totally pleased -- overwhelmed. About 26 people showed up. So, for a town like ours, that was good. I would like to see a little bit more, and am still waiting, hoping more people will come out and help us out. There will be a group in a couple of weeks, I believe. Twenty one people have committed to helping on the Citizens on Patrol Program. All I can say is that if there's anybody who can help please contact the group here in Gladstone."

The group met in the old RM of Westbourne office building, and RCMP Spruce Plains Sergeant Mark Morehouse also attended, and says the turnout speaks well.

Mark Morehouse, sergeant of Spruce Plains RCMP detachment"I think with the meeting tonight, it showed that there is an interest and there is a need for a C.O.P.P. in Gladstone. And I think with the amount of people that's turned out tonight, and the number of people that signed up I think it's going to grow. And it's going to be good for ourselves for our Spruce Plains detachment. As you know, C.O.P.P. are eyes and ears for us as well. And we can't be everywhere at once. And it's definitely going to help us, and help the community out as well."

He adds he's satisfied with residents' concern.

"It's a very satisfying night. Especially when you get something like this off the ground, and people can see that there is a need. And they're out to help everybody."

Morehouse notes the recent crime spree in the area spurred the discussion.

"There has been a rash of thefts -- a stolen vehicle, ATV's, breaking into sheds, and things like this. I think this probably might have generated the amount of people that came out tonight."

He adds it's not an opportunity for vigilantes.

"So, it is showing that there is interest and they want to do something about it, but on the up-and-up, and not as a vigilante group. That's the main thing that we like to see, is people know that it's not going out and taking the matters into their own hands. But they're there to be eyes and ears, and help us as well. I'm very pleased."

Morehouse explains where it goes from here.

"They will start having monthly meetings. We'll have one officer that will be dedicated to the C.O.P.P. here in Gladstone. From that, I think it's just going to grow."

He says every little bit helps.

"Like I told some other people here tonight, that I'd sooner see, sometimes if people are driving around, it's a quiet night than a busy night. So, if them driving around can deter things, that's better for all of us."