Strengthening community safety and collaboration was the focus of the West St. Paul Citizens on Patrol Program’s (WSP COPP) annual general meeting held Jan. 24 at the Access Centre.
The meeting drew 48 attendees, including 37 of the program’s 53 volunteers, along with representatives from multiple levels of government, law enforcement and neighbouring patrol groups.
Guests included Manitoba Justice Minister Matt Wiebe, MLA J.D. Devgan, RCMP Const. Paul Human, West St. Paul Mayor Peter Truijen, Coun. Giorgio Buscetti and local community and bylaw safety officers. Coordinators from citizens on patrol programs in Beausejour, Oakbank-Springfield and East St. Paul also attended.
During the meeting, Wiebe and Devgan reaffirmed provincial support for the program, which continues to receive funding through the Department of Justice. The funding supports essential resources such as safety vests, signage and public awareness materials.
Community safety officers outlined their roles within the municipality and plans are underway for further collaboration between the officers and COPP volunteers to enhance safety efforts across the rural municipality. Buscetti also pointed to recent initiatives aimed at improving safety, including the addition of community safety officers, installation of speed bumps, security cameras and increased signage.
The organization also recognized several long-serving volunteers for their contributions, including Bev Bragg, Ken and Evelyn Miller, Peter and Laura Truijen, and Bill and Evelyn Myskiw.
Organizers emphasized that communication remains a key component of effective community safety, noting that ongoing coordination between community safety officers, citizens on patrol, RCMP and residents helps ensure timely awareness and response to suspicious or criminal activity.
Residents interested in joining the volunteer patrol program can contact WSP COPP at info@wspcopp.com.
