Submitted by:
Linda Carpentier

With crime on the rise in the Swan Valley, several residents have decided to be proactive in an effort to deter it. For this reason Swan Valley Citizens On Patrol Program (SV COPP) was started in 2021.


SV COPP is part of MB COPP that started in Manitoba in 1991. The goals of the program are to deter crime by providing a presence in the community through patrolling by vehicle, on foot or bicycle, and to educate Manitobans about crime prevention. Patrolling is done in pairs, and training is provided. COPP members act as additional “eyes and ears” for the community and their police agency, in this way assisting in reducing crime. Law enforcement agencies are supporters of this program. The mission of MB COPP is to mobilize citizens to work with law enforcement to deter crime and help create a safer environment for all.

SV COPP members are asked to patrol at least once a month, and report suspicious or criminal behaviour. Since the range covered by Swan Valley COPP is the same as that of the local RCMP, citizens from Benito, Birch River, Bowsman and Minitonas are welcome to join, and patrol in
their own communities. Some of the current SV COPP members live outside the town of Swan River and would be happy to patrol with new members.

If you would like more information, or are interested in joining SV COPP, contact: Swanvalleycopp@gmail.com