On Patrol is a combined initiative of the Barrie Police, the Police Services Board and the Community. This relationship provides law enforcement personnel with a valuable observation and reporting system which is essential in our modern society. Until recently most members of the public spent their evenings sitting on their front porches, talking to their neighbours and in general watching what was happening in their neighbourhood. In today's society, however, people are too busy and don't have the same amount of relaxation time as just a few years ago. Nowadays, most people work long hours and a large percentage commute out of Barrie to work.
Nobody notices what occurs in their neighbourhoods anymore.
On Patrol is so important. The information provided by C.O.P. patrols on the streets is used to assist law enforcement efforts in the prevention of criminal activity. The community benefits from this partnership in at least two ways. Citizens gain a sense of purpose and satisfaction in having an influence over the quality of life, and they can play a significant role in reducing crime in their communities. It is an initiative that allows the general public to join a program whereby they can patrol their community and report situations requiring police attendance.