Citizens on Patrol looking to expand services 

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. Johns Citizens on Patrol is looking to expand its community services with increased awareness signs and vehicle speed monitoring. 

According to Citizens on Patrol President Jackie Miranda, the patrol’s volunteers would be provided with radar devices to track vehicle speeds around school zones and other locations. However, the volunteers would not be able to issue tickets. 

“It wouldn’t necessarily be set up only in school zones, but we can set it up anywhere on any of the roads around town,” Miranda explained. “School zones would be great because there is always a lot of speeders around different school zones, and I think it’d be a great way to get parents more active.”

The organization is also working on adding new signs around the local area to provide insurance to people that suspicious activity is being monitored. 

Miranda started Citizens on Patrol in July 2023, when she noticed a lot of crime in the city, but no action was being taken. 

The organization is involved in car patrols and reporting suspicious activity, such as potential car theft or burglary. 

“We’re extra eyes and ears for the RCMP. So we patrol, we set different times and locations that we drive around and patrol in our vehicles,” said Miranda.

Miranda says that volunteers have helped the community by deterring suspicious activities since its formation.

“The more people who are watching and can hold people accountable, write down information on the vehicle, even see people trying to break into buildings and stuff and call the RCMP, the more it is going to make a difference,” said Miranda. 

Miranda says the organization currently has over two dozen active members and is always looking for more volunteers. 

Volunteers need to have a valid driver’s license, be willing to use their personal vehicles, and be willing to work with the RCMP. 

Residents can apply to become volunteers for Citizens on Patrol by filling out the application here. Applicants must pass a criminal background check and be 19 years or old.