Photo: Safe Communities Unit

The COPs are joining the SAR.

For those not in the know, a core group of Vernon's Citizens on Patrol are to be brought in when Vernon Search and Rescue teams are involved in urban searches and evacuations.

“They have a lot of training to better understand how to operate in terms of an emergency,” said Regan Borisenko, crime prevention coordinator. “They are the people we call first.”

A total of 14 RCMP volunteers, divided into two teams, will be taking part.

“We will be under the direction of Vernon Search and Rescue.”

Borisenko said the new duty has emerged from “a quick response team” that was developed two years ago when an arsonist was believed to be on the loose in the city.

Last August, he said that team was called out to do perimeter duty after a murder in Polson Park.

“It frees up (RCMP) members to do their job.”

COP volunteers have also taken on the additional role this year of doing safety checks at local boat launches. It also gives them the chance to check out-of-province vessels for the presence of quagga and zebra mussels.

“What we're doing in Vernon, to the best of my knowledge, is another first in B.C.,” Borisenko said.