2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | BOB SHIELLS Memorial Innovation AWARD

2006 BCCPN Recognition Awards top

This year the Steering Committee of the BC Citizens Patrol Network added two
new awards, the Significant Achievement Award and the Outstanding Patroller
Award, which are available to Citizens Patrollers and Citizen Patrol Groups.

Several nominations were received for the Outstanding Patroller Award, all very worthy and deserving of the award. After considerable consideration, this year’s Award was presented to Mr. Kaz Taneda,
Westside Citizens Patrol. Kaz has been a patroller for 22 years and was instrumental in organizing several groups in the Okanagan. Kaz has been very committed to his community and gives freely of his time to many service clubs and organizations besides Citizens Patrols. He has served on the Executive as President and other positions and he has contributed greatly to the training of new patrollers. Kaz continues to serve as his health permits. Kaz and his lovely wife Mary attended the BC Crime Prevention’s banquet in Richmond to receive his award.

Honorable mention in the Outstanding Patroller category went to Bruno Bersani, New Westminster; Sandi Dahl, Surrey; and Susan Fenton & Mary Gagnon, New Westminster. Congratulations to you all for your outstanding commitment and thank you to all of the nominators for telling us about you. Unfortunately there were no eligible nominations for either the Bob Shiells Memorial Innovation Award, which is given to a group that presents an “innovative” idea for their patrols, or the Significant Achievement Award this year. So make
sure you nominate a group or patroller for next year’s awards. It is so important that outstanding volunteers get the reccognition they so deserve. Nomination forms available on the BCCPN section of the website at www.bccpa.org.




Colleen Staresina, BCCPA presents Kaz
Taneda with the Outstanding Patroller Award

B.C Citizen Patrol Network
BOB SHIELLS Memorial Innovation AWARD 2005 top

Three (3) nominations were received for the 2005 award by the selection committee which
was comprised of:

- BCCPA Treasurer and Director - Vello Kleeband,
- Portfolio Manager - Auto Crime Strategies - Loss Prevention Services - I.C.B.C - Dennis St. Aubin,
- BC Citizen Patrol Network Chair - Colleen Staresina, and
- BCCPA Staff Liaison - Colleen Kerr.

The award was presented to the Langley Crime Watch group for their innovative use of technology as shown here receiving their award at the 2005 BCCPA Symposium banquet on Saturday September 24, 2005

Langley Crime Watch group from left to right:
Marion Kouleas, Leanne Cassap, Dave Scott , Cst. Christine Dinham-Jones, Paul Claus, Cst. Janet Northrup, Colleen Spry, Darlene Munro,

Presenters:
Daphne Shiells and Barb Hunter.

2005 AWARD WINNER Highlights

Langley Crime Watch Patrol covers 126 square miles of territory during their weekday and weekend patrols. Over the last year, Langley Crime Watch developed and enhanced a number of systems to improve safety of their members and the efficiency of the group.

"Hot Spot Maps" in paper and computer format in vehicles and at base.
"Real Time Global Tracking" in volunteers vehicles
"Real Time Global Tracking of all vehicles" at base station
"Voice Activated Logging System" at base station
"Voice activated, hands free SAR (windows)" in volunteers vehicles

"Hot Spot Maps" in paper and computer format in vehicles and at base.

History
On patrol days the RCMP provide support in the form of briefing notes and previously (prior to 2005) weekly crime statistic maps. The maps were difficult to interpret with many dots on small maps. An idea was hatched at a meeting one night, to produce maps that were easier to read, something more visual.

Researching various computer software maps, it was decided that an inexpensive program called "Street and Trips" would be ideal. The program shows every road, park, river and stream in the community and would allow easy customization.

By inputting the statistics into the map program, the "Hot Spot" maps take the dry statistics and provide a remarkable visual profile of the areas where the majority of crime is occurring.

"Real Time Global Tracking" in volunteers vehicles
Initially the maps were produced in booklet form but the group realized the potential of placing the maps onto the computer screens along with the "SAR" program. Computers in use in early 2005 were running "SAR" in DOS mode. Upgraded machines were needed to run MicroSoft "Streets & Trips with GPS locator". Service groups, local businesses and the Langley's were canvassed for support to obtain laptops with the capability of running the mapping programs.

For the volunteers out on the road the live computer screen shows the exact location, direction of travel and a "trail" of where they have been. "Hot Spot" areas become much more obvious and areas where there are dead ends and no exits show up allowing the volunteers to be extra cautious and have back-up plans ready. Members also get a better idea of the zones they are working.

"Real Time Global Tracking of all vehicles" at base station
Along with the MicroSoft "Streets & Trips GPS locators in vehicles, additional Global Tracking locators were purchased for each vehicle along with a black box that transmits 'Latitude and Longitude" via the cellular network to a central computer in Burnaby. The information is made available through the internet to the Langley Crime Watch Base station that is then able to track each of the five vehicles out on patrol.

"Voice Activated Logging System" at base station
Voice recognition technology has also been added to the Langley Base Operations reporting systems. Previously, up to 5 different reports were filled in by hand, many with the same data that were returned to the detachment.

A single computer "word" document was created that contains all of the relevant data needed for a patrol night. As most people are familiar with a word processor it was felt that it would be easier and less complicated to just enter the data into a preformatted document. The operator has the option of completing the log manually, keying in the data or using voice recognition technology. Once the shift is over, the file can be printed, faxed, or emailed.

"Voice activated, hands free SAR (windows)" in volunteers vehicles
In early July 2005, Langley Crime Watch tested the new beta version of the SAR (Stolen Auto Recovery) program running under windows and adapted it to voice technology.

Volunteers on the road can now run plates hands free by simply speaking into the headset microphone.

Extra members and Patrols
In addition to the technology advances, Langley has embarked on a two year program of doubling its thirty (30) volunteers so that additional weekend and weekday patrols can take place. To date there are 43 members.

By giving presentations in the community, submitting articles for the local papers, and partnering with local businesses the Langley Crime Watch profile has been greatly enhanced. The message is getting out to the public that citizens are out on patrol, observing and reporting to Police and that citizens can make a difference in their communities.

Funding
Langley Crime Watch started fund raising in late 2004. A simple power point presentation was put together and members called local service groups such as Rotary and Lions and asked if they could speak at their meetings. The presentation outlines what the Crime Watch Patrol group is all about, emphasizing that volunteers patrol the community observing and reporting. Future goals were mentioned outlining projected costs.

Reaction to the presentations has been very positive and raised money to support the new initiatives.

Overall, the impact and value of the information that the group has been able to collect has led to increased recognition of the important role that volunteers can play in support of local and regional policing efforts. Citizens can greatly assist the police and together they can more effectively reduce crime and enhance prevention efforts in the community.

In the spirit of networking and information sharing as encouraged by BCCPA and the B.C. Citizens Patrol Network, the Langley Crime Watch group is eager to share their tools, lessons learned, and details related to costs & types of equipment with others.

CONTACT: Dave Scott Vice-President
Langley Crime Watch
604-530-6612
nurndy@ca.inter.net

Certificates of Merit
Two Certificates of Merit were awarded to the following nominations of the Bob Shiells Memorial Innovation Award for 2005.

Vernon & District Citizens on Patrol

This nomination submitted by the Okanagan Thompson BCCPN Regional Rep and BCCPA Director - Bill Wilson outlined the many accomplishments of the Vernon and District Citizens patrol program which has been in existence since 1992. The current 73 volunteer base contributes over 5000 hours annually and logs in over 36,000 km patrolling the community and it's outlying regions - observing, recording, and reporting incidents to the POLICE. The nomination outlined other numerous community based initiatives taken on by the group including hosting workshops / seminars, crowd control during special events, ICBC program support such as seat belt surveys and Lock out auto crime.

Since 1992 the group has contributed 46,458 hours and driven over 410,500 km. This nomination clearly demonstrates the importance of tracking activities and keeping statistics.

North Cowichan / Duncan / Cowichan Bay Citizens Patrol

The nomination for the North Cowichan / Duncan / Cowichan Bay area was submitted by Sgt Rob Diack. A significant step was made when the Community Police Advisory Committee obtained funding to pilot a formalized volunteer training and retention program for all Community Police programs. This has since developed into ongoing funding support from local government, community and business partners. A full-time coordinator and 100 volunteers have been active since September 2003. Volunteers are cross trained and work as a crime prevention TEAM rather than in individual programs allowing for greater flexibility, multi-pronged approach to problem solving, allows for personal and professional development of the volunteers and reduces overhead / administration costs.

An impressive review of stats was also included in the nomination package, as well as a copy of the "notice to electors" for an alternative approval process to secure funding for the North Cowichan / Duncan Policing in the form of an ANNUAL Contribution. Several newspaper articles outlining the group's achievements were also included.

2004 REVIEW OF NOMINATIONS AND 2004 AWARD top

Citizen Patrol AWARD OF INNOVATION
Symposium 2004

This year, the award selection committee received 8 very worthy nominations making the selection of one winner challenging.

The committee wishes to congratulate ALL the hard working volunteers. It is very heart warming to see the dedication and commitment of the 114 Patrol groups in BC (currently registered with the Network - September 2004) . We thank you all.

For a review of the 2004 nominations as well as the highlights of their application - (in alphabetical order) Click Here

The winning nomination of the 2004 BC Citizens Patrol Innovation Award was presented to the…

CUMBERLAND Safe Communities Committee

In 1999, the Cumberland Village Council took positive steps towards addressing the "safety" concerns of the village residents. Early in that same year, they worked in partnership with Cumberland Junior School and developed a "Safe Communities Questionnaire" that was distributed throughout the community.

As a result of the questionnaire, a public meeting was held in April of 1999. The stakeholders in attendance participated in a brainstorming session to identify their top safety and crime prevention priorities. There was consensus that a Citizen's Committee should be formed.

The committee's mandate was to develop a framework upon which to address the issues and to involve all appropriate people and agencies. The first meeting of the new citizen's committee was held in May of 1999.

The committee's motto: "Crime Prevention is Everyone's Responsibility!"

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Business Contact List
A need was identified to make contact with local businesses for a contact person 'just in case' the patrollers were to see anything out of the ordinary. As a result the CP members have a detailed list of each businesses contact in and around Cumberland and nearby Royston.

Friday and Saturday Night patrols - Since November 2003, the group has added regular patrols every Friday and Saturday night to their task list of new and creative ideas that support their local detachment.

Identification and Cataloguing of Parks & Landmarks : It was discovered that the dispatch office in Courtney required a list of the exact locations and nicknames attached to various parks and landmarks in and around the Cumberland area. This was completed with the hard work of the many volunteers and because of their time, approximately 30 sites were identified and are now entered into the telecom's database.

This achievement allows for better identification and effective communications when stating locations while on patrol.

Present activities - speed watch, Cumberland Citizens' Patrol, member participation on the Comox Valley Drug Strategy Committee.

(2004 WINNER of the BC CITIZEN PATROL AWARD OF INNOVATION 2004
presented to the Cumberland Safe Communities Committee. Accepting the award on behalf of the Cumberland Safe Communities Committee were Sonny and Darlene FOOTE) shown here with BCCPA President, Barb Hunter.

AWARD WINNERS top
2003 CO-WINNERS

September 25th, 2003 there were two winners of the Citizens Patrol Innovation Award. Sharing in this award were the Quesnel Citizens Patrol and the Vancouver Citizens Patrol.

The city of Quesnel was being plagued by an increasing number of dumpster fires started by vandals. Recognizing this problem the Citizens Patrol group completed a survey of all dumpster locations within the city, providing a map of these locations and presenting the information to the local authorities The patrol's research and dedication in completing this Fire Hazard survey has indeed assisted the RCMP and Fire Department identify some hazardous areas in the city and raised the communities awareness to the danger of fires This innovative initiative makes you most deserving of this award.

Vancouver Citizens Patrol group have been outstanding in their accomplishments in the Stolen Auto Recovery program. Their commitment and dedication in this regard has resulted in the recovery of over three thousand stolen vehicles .As a result of their dedication and commitment the Vancouver Police Auto Theft unit has added the Patrol to the Bait Car program. This innovative move of support has rendered invaluable assistance and has contributed dramatically to the effectiveness of the project and makes you most deserving of this award.

BCCPN Award for Innovation
With the establishment of the BC Citizens Patrol Network in 2000, a new award was created. The BCCPA Award for Innovation recognizes the dedication of more than 8,000 citizen patrol volunteers throughout BC who contribute their time and efforts to making their communities safe. The award is presented annually to a citizen patrol group that has implemented innovated strategies to deliver and develop their program.

2002 Interlakes Citizens On Patrol top

The Interlakes area near 100 Mile House in central BC comprises 1100 cabins, cottages and homes; 75 kilometres of paved highway and 200 kilometres of secondary roadways; and a small, seasonal population spread over 500 square kilometers. Individually, each statistic represents a formidable obstacle to community policing - combined, an insurmountable task without innovation.
Volunteers patrolling unlit, unmarked roadways to check un-addressed properties required new technology. A Global Positioning System proved to be the answer. In addition, to ensure patrol member safety, communications were changed from VHF radios with recognizable antennas to a secure radio system.

2001 Surrey Citizens Crime Watch top

The Surrey Citizens Crime Watch took an innovative approach to recruitment. An effective advertising campaign attracted approximately 40 young adults from many ethnic backgrounds, lowering the average age of Crime Watch volunteers to 36. The patrol is now recognized as a multi-lingual group that can provide interpreting skills for Emergency Services and act as ambassadors at events such as the BC Seniors Games hosted by the City of Surrey in the summer of 2001.
Many of the new volunteers joined the patrol's CounterAttack team where up to four patrollers assist the RCMP every night they are out. In addition, the patrol's stolen auto recovery program has enjoyed considerable success, with close to 150 recoveries and over 20 arrests.

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~ SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~

Bob Shiells, long time community volunteer, founding member of the Citizen's Patrol Network and beloved family man.

Dedication of BCCPN Innovation Award to the
BOB SHIELLS Memorial Innovation AWARD

On June 11th of 2004, the crime prevention community was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Bob Shiells in Kelowna. Bob was a founding committee member of the BC Citizens Patrol Network. He spent countless volunteer hours working on the committee as well as serving as the Thompson/Okanagan Representative for the Network from the Network's inception until 2003.

Bob's wife Daphne is still very involved as a Crime Prevention volunteer in Kelowna.

Many people came forward to enquire if there was a way that BCCPA could recognize and honour Bob's dedication and commitment to crime prevention in BC. At the Saturday night awards banquet of the 2004 annual symposium, BCCPA was pleased to announce that,

"… effective in year 2005, the BC Citizens Patrol Innovation Award will be permanently renamed the Bob Shiells Memorial Innovation Award."

Bob's wife Daphne and their family were in attendance at the announcement. Daphne Shiells graciously accepted the announcement with a heartfelt speech of thanks to the over 500 delegates and dignitaries in attendance.