Portage la Prairie city staff members who operate equipment and drive work vehicles within the community recently underwent some extra training with the RCMP. City councillor Melissa Draycott says this was part of a crime prevention program and the training was essentially a condensed form of the group training received by members of COPP. Draycott notes the program focused on being able to properly observe and record information which would assist the police in investigating criminal activity, adding that would include how to recognize suspicious activity and how to keep themselves safe in case of a serious incident.

She says the desired outcome is to have city staff members become extra eyes and ears out on the streets, which goes a long way toward helping keep all of Portage's citizens safe. Draycott notes the training teaches people to observe and report suspicious activities without becoming physically involved in crime prevention. She adds the city's employees were taught to be alert in situations where they can help out, such as people in obvious distress, lost children, and suspicious activities in progress.