The South Cowichan Community Policing Advisory Society has been selected to deliver Cowichan Community Policing services.
The SCCPAS was chosen by the Cowichan Valley Regional District after a review of the application by an inter-agency evaluation panel, comprised of staff members from the Municipality of North Cowichan, the City of Duncan, the CVRD and the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment.
The service has an annual budget of nearly $123,000 to fund the delivery of community policing services in the participating core areas of North Cowichan, Duncan and the CVRD Area D – Cowichan Bay.
The funding is strictly for community policing services, such as educational programs, events and activities to reduce crime in communities and build awareness through collaboration with individuals, groups, businesses and the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment.
The Cowichan community policing services was delivered by the Cowichan Community Policing Advisory Services Society, but that society has recently dissolved.
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“We welcome the opportunity to provide a working model of community support to Duncan/North Cowichan and Cowichan Bay,” said Bob Collins, president of the SCCPAS.
“We look forward to expanding a strong and mutually rewarding partnership with North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP detachment and stakeholders, most of all providing a clear and effective community engagement and policing model.”
North Cowichan Mayor Al Siebring said the municipality recognizes that CPAC has had a difficult time in recent years.
“They were having trouble with volunteer recruitment and retention as far back as 2010, when I sat on their advisory board,” he said.
“I’m hoping this new structure will inject fresh enthusiasm and new energy into this function, which provides a valuable service to our community.”
Duncan Mayor Michelle Staples added that the city is happy to welcome the SCCPAS and is looking forward to all of the funding and community partners meeting and working together to develop the important roles the city knows this organization can provide for both residents and businesses.
“This service is vital as it has the potential to build connection, create community and increase safety in neighbourhoods for everyone in the city and participating areas,” she said.
