An official memorandum of understanding has been signed by the Alberta RCMP and the Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association, outlining their partnership.

The partnership focuses on the rules and responsibilities of citizens on patrol, and how to properly work alongside police, says Chair of the Alberta Citizens On Patrol Association, Beverley Salomons.

“It sets out the rules and responsibilities of Alberta Citizens On Patrol and the RCMP with respect to how the RCMP participates in the Citizens On Patrol program in the different RCMP jurisdictions in Alberta.”

She adds there's a strong commitment from its members to help working with police, something she is proud of.

“(In 2016) the number of kilometers that were driven is over 179,000, patrolling for 15,000 hours and another 6,500 hours for training and administration time."

"You can see volunteers put quite a number of hours in Alberta.”

Alberta Citizens On Patrol is a community led program aimed at reducing crime in communities through participation of citizens in crime prevention and patrol activities.

At Monday's council meeting, during his annual report, the Chief of Lacombe Police, Lorne Blumhagen, said these types of organizations are vital to policing and says they are greatly appreciated.