NORTH BATTLEFORD — The Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Program (COPP) has added a new marked patrol vehicle, strengthening visibility, volunteer safety and crime deterrence in the community.
The vehicle was officially introduced during the Battlefords North Stars game on Feb. 7.
COPP purchased the new vehicle, a 2025 Jeep Compass, with a $40,000 donation from Battlefords Agency Tribal Chiefs (BATC). COPP also contributed a portion of the cost using funds from its reserves.
The new Jeep replaces a previous vehicle that COPP had through a two-year lease agreement, which was supported by a grant from BATC.
Several area sponsors will assist with ongoing costs for fuel and maintenance of the vehicle.
COPP chairperson Doug Fehr said having a dedicated, marked patrol vehicle is important for both recruitment and community confidence.
"We've discovered over the years that some people are hesitant to join our group because they don't want to use their own vehicle," he said. "They're concerned that their own vehicle would get targeted. That's one reason we give them that option, is using the patrol Jeep, and that removes that objection that potential patrollers might have."
Fehr added that a clearly marked COPP vehicle also plays a role in crime prevention and public reassurance.
"It increases the level of deterrence over that of an unmarked vehicle," he said. "It also reassures the general public that if they see a strange vehicle driving around their neighbourhood, particularly late at night, they can be reassured knowing that it's a COPP logo on the side of the vehicle, versus something that is totally unmarked."
The year 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of the Battlefords COPP program.
Volunteer numbers and patrol activity have both increased significantly over the past year.
In 2025, COPP members conducted patrols covering a record 51,000 blocks over 92 days.
"In 2024, we were right around 36,000 blocks, so we had a large increase versus 2024," Fehr said.
Membership has also grown. At the end of 2024, the group had about 35 members. By the end of 2025, membership had increased to 45 volunteers.
Anyone interested in joining the Battlefords Citizens on Patrol Program can find more information through the City of North Battleford or Town of Battleford websites, or by emailing coppnb@outlook.com.
