REDCLIFF, AB — RCMP in Redcliff patrol the streets inside and around the town and respond any time there’s an emergency.
But there’s a second set of eyes on the lookout for anything suspicious.
Citizens on Patrol help protect the town by alerting the Mounties anytime they see something out of the ordinary.
El Robertson begins his shift once the sun has set.
Robertson is the group president and has been a member since the volunteer group started in 2004.
On Thursday, he was joined by his partner Art Lynn.
Members always patrol in pairs and make notes when things don’t look right.
“If things are all quiet, that’s what we want in our town,” Robertson said from inside his vehicle.
“We look for things that are unusual for our community, for our neighbourhoods and for the town because we live here and so we know what’s normal and what’s not,” he said.
Something that doesn’t look normal is a parked vehicle down River Road SW near the river.
“[River Valley Park is] closed at 11 and you’re not supposed to be down there,” he said.
“Their job or their duties are, as volunteers, and obviously they are not trained police officers in any way, is that they do not get involved in crimes,” said S/Sgt. Sean Maxwell. “If they see something, their job is to call us and provide some assistance.”
The Redcliff detachment works closely with members and relies on their extra set of eyes.
“You do get the odd person that’s out there, probably later on in the night and maybe they’re out there looking at vehicles, trying to break into something, maybe trying to steal something,” Maxwell said.
Robertson can see exactly what’s going on from the front seat of his vehicle by using his flashlight.
Members tour the town and rural areas from their vehicles, which helps keeps them discreet. Something Maxwell said makes a difference when they’re out in the community.
“If we’re driving around in a fully marked police car, people do change their driving habits,” he said. “They can change other things if we’re in the area. But the minute you’ve got somebody that’s driving around in their own vehicle, that is not a police vehicle, people will take more chances.”
Robertson is looking for more volunteers. If you’re interested in becoming a member, you can call him directly at 403-502-2546.
