A volunteer group that helps take a dent out of crime is welcoming a recommendation to have a one-stop crime prevention centre.
Troy Ropchan, chairman of Citizens on Patrol, a civilian watch group that patrols neighbourhoods, said he applauds city Councillor Buck Buchanan’s call for the City of Red Deer to help create a crime prevention centre.
Ropchan said his group of 18 volunteers meet at the Red Deer city RCMP detachment and the organization doesn’t have a home of its own.
“I think it’s a great idea and I think it’s needed,” said Ropchan on Tuesday.
All of the paperwork for Citizens on Patrol is stored at Ropchan’s home.
“We don’t have a home and we don’t have the money to do it,” Ropchan said. “If the city is willing to work with us on getting a location, that would be great.”
Buchanan said on Monday that he understands a good portion of budgeting among various agencies is going towards paying rent, instead of on crime prevention programs.
He is proposing that the city get involved in the creation of a crime prevention centre — either through researching various models, funding or some other means.
He’d like to see city staff research options for a crime prevention centre prior to 2012 municipal budgeting talks.
His notice of motion will come forward at the Aug. 22 meeting for council discussion.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com