Citizens on Patrol
Citizens On Patrol Program (COPP)
Citizens on Patrol is a special group of Law Enforcement Volunteers. As the name implies, Citizens on Patrol are citizens who, after being screened, background checked, and trained by local law enforcement, patrol their communities acting as “Eyes and Ears” for the Police Department
Citizen Patrol groups have been in use within the United States for over 60 years. Cincinnati first deployed Citizens on Patrol in 1997 starting with three test neighborhoods. The program has now expanded into 24 of the cities 52 neighborhoods. Citizens on Patrol serves as a catalyst in strengthening neighborhoods and remains in an expansion mode.
By patrolling the community, Citizens on Patrol become more familiar with their community and are better able to recognize ‘suspicious’ activity and notify the proper authorities. Due to their focused patrol activity, it is not uncommon for COP’s to observe crimes in progress. COP’s do not take enforcement action, they only observe and report. Citizens on Patrol are not authorized to carry weapons and are encouraged to avoid physical contact. COP’s greatest weapon is their established bond with Police and their ability to communicate directly with them by radio.
COP units also report ‘quality of life’ problems by locating and reporting issues that contribute to criminal activity. They can fix the proverbial ‘Broken Window’. COP are also deployed for special and neighborhood events. By utilizing COP units for basic yet needed tasks, Police are able to spend more time on patrol and focus on their primary mission. It is not uncommon for Citizens on Patrol groups to reduce crime by an average of 25 percent.
Click on the COPP Application link above for the latest application form and training schedule.
How to join the Citizens on Patrol
1.) Fill out an application along with the background check.
2.) Wait for reply from Cinti. Police Dept. Should be received through mail.
There should be a letter along with information on class schedule.
3.) Attend and complete 12 hours of class training.
There you will receive information on setting up a
time to do an 8 hour ride-a-long with a police officer.
You will also receive information on ordering
your uniforms (cap/hat, shirt, windbreaker, winter jacket)
and acquiring your id badge.
4.) After all of the above, you’re almost there!
Someone from your neighborhood group will contact you
and inform you of the Neighborhood Meeting time,
introduce you to the group, and
set you up with patrol times to suit your needs.
We would love to have you!
