Volunteer Citizens On Patrol (vCOP)

The City of Côte Saint-Luc is looking for more recruits to expand its successful Volunteer Citizens on Patrol program.
For more information about the program, contact the vCOP team at 514-485-6800 or vcop@cotesaintluc.org.

* * * 

The Côte Saint-Luc Volunteer Citizens on Patrol (vCOP) program is an innovative approach to community safety and security.

Working in collaboration with Côte Saint-Luc Public Security, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Montreal Police Department, the vCOP members patrol the city, observing and reporting any suspicious activities or problems. vCOP members are not law enforcement personnel; instead, they act as the "eyes and ears" for our emergency services.

Visible on the streets and in parks, and at many special events throughout the year, the vCOP patrols helps deter crime and assist people in need.

A first in Quebec

 Côte Saint-Luc is the first city in Quebec to implement such an innovative vCOP program, which is already established in communities throughout much of Western Canada and the United States.

The volunteers contribute to the well-being of the community and act as a highly-visible deterrent to crime. They also assist residents and visitors by informing them about city services and municipal by-laws. vCOP members patrol in marked vehicles as well as on bicycles and on foot. 

How to volunteer

Candidates must be at least 18 years old, in good health and residing, working or having a vested interest in Côte Saint-Luc. Since some patrol activities can be physically demanding, volunteers must be be in very good physical condition. They must also pass a security check, have good interpersonal and communications skills, possess a positive attitude and be able to work in a team environment. In addition, they must adhere to the vCOP code of conduct and participate in training sessions.

Patrollers will be required to commit to a minimum of six hours of patrolling each month.

Note: There is a one-time membership fee of $75, which is used to defray the costs of uniforms and accessories. Your cheque, payable to the City of Côte Saint-Luc, must accompany the completed application form (below).

Download and complete the application form (PDF)

 

Volunteer training manual 

All vCOP members with the Côte Saint-Luc volunteer Citizens on Patrol program will follow basic training which includes:

• Observation and effective patrolling skills
• Shift procedures
• Personal safety
• Crime prevention
• First aid and defibrillation

 

Volunteer training 

All vCOP members follow a training program spanning seven sessions which covers:

• Observation and effective patrolling skills
• Incident response protocols
• Personal safety
• Municipal by-laws
• Crime prevention
• First aid, CPR and AED (automatic external defibrillation)

The training is provided by volunteers as well as local law enforcement, EMS and fire department representatives, where possible.

For more information about the program, contact the vCOP team at 514-485-6800 or vcop@cotesaintluc.org. The vCOP training manual is available below:
 
Download the vCOP training manual