A minimum two person, volunteer team, using its own vehicle, patrols the townsite and reports and unusual or suspicious activity to the officers on duty. The volunteers are supplied with a cellular phone and radio to enable immediate contact and assistance from the officer situated closest to them. The patrol shifts are flexible. Each member determines the time and duration of individual tours. The key times for patrols are between 10 PM and 3 AM. An active member is expected to dedicate a minimum of (4) hours per month to patrol duties.

Speed Sign an option to members

The Cochrane Citizens on Patrol (C.C.O.P.) members have at their disposal a radar speed display sign. If a member chooses, training is provided in the operation of the sign. The sign displays the speeds of motorists when they enter a target zone where speeding has been a particular problem. The sign informs motorists of their speeds and works very effectively as a speed deterrent. Cochrane RCMP report that “the program has been very successful and has generated positive feedback from the community.”