Côte Saint-Luc crime prevention volunteer patrollers log more than 65,000km

Côte Saint-Luc, April 27, 2009 – In the month of March, Côte Saint-Luc Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) logged 375 hours patrolling 2,550km of city streets, thereby adding an extra layer of protection to residents, says the council member responsible for public safety.

“vCOP volunteers participated in a search for a missing person, reported a broken gate protecting a nursery, and reported 20 garage doors and one house door left open, to name just a few things,” Councillor Glenn J. Nashen said. “vCOP volunteers provide extra eyes and ears to help prevent crime and adds another layer to public safety services.”

The City of Côte Saint-Luc will be holding an information session on Tuesday, May 5 at 7pm in the auditorium at Côte Saint-Luc City Hall (5801 Cavendish Blvd.) for residents interested in joining vCOP.

Working in conjunction with Côte Saint-Luc Public Security, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Montreal police department, vCOP volunteers patrol the city, observe and report any suspicious activities or problems. Côte Saint-Luc was the first city in Quebec to implement this innovative neighbourhood-watch-on-wheels program in 2006. Similar programs have been established in communities throughout Canada and the United States.

Approximately 70 volunteers patrol the streets of Côte Saint-Luc in marked vCOP vehicles, on foot and on bicycles. The volunteers notify local agencies about emergency and non-emergency situations as they act as observers throughout the community. There is a one-time membership fee of $75 to defray the costs of uniforms and accessories.

Since its inception in July 2006, vCOP volunteers have spent 11,572 hours patrolling 65,126km of city roads, which is the equivalent of seven round-trips between Montreal and Los Angeles.

For more information or to join the vCOP program, please call 514-485-6800, send an e-mail to vcop@CoteSaintLuc.org, or visit www.CoteSaintLuc.org/en/vcop.

Contact: For more information: Darryl Levine, Director of Public Affairs and Communications, 514-485-8905, dlevine@CoteSaintLuc.org