Citizen Observer Patrol

CITIZEN OBSERVER PATROL (C.O.P.)

The Citizens on Patrol program is comprised of neighborhoods, much like your own, that have decided to insure te safety of their community by forming a partnership with PBSO. Volunteers wear uniforms and drive specially marked vehicles that proudly display to any potential criminal that they are the eyes and ears of law enforcement within this community.

Each COP car is equipped with a cellular phone and police scanner to assist COP volunteers in alerting deputies of any problems they might notice while patrolling their neighborhoods.

Over 5,000 members from 90 plus communities currently help law enforcement keep their neighborhoods safe by volunteering as a part of the COP program. Each volunteer receives training, uniform and guidance from PBSO to ensure that this program succeeds in helping eliminate crime from your neighborhood.

To become a COP volunteer, call the COP office at 433-2003.

A Citizen Observer's only job function is to patrol a designated area and observe suspicious occurrences, people or objects, check closed houses and contact elderly and infirm individuals upon request. If a situation does arise, the Citizen Observer reports it via cellular telephone or hard-line telephone to the complaint desk of the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.

Some of the specific dutes are to:

Perform routine house checks of closed houses, when requested, and report any unusual occurrences.
Perform checks of elderly or infirm individuals, when requested.
Contact the Sheriff's Office upon observation of any suspicious activity, vehicle or person.
Patrol designated area in a diligent and professional manner.
Refer all questions to the Patrol Leaders.
Turn in all reports and paperwork to the Patrol Leaders at the end of each shift.
Be courteous and professional in the performance of duties and assigned tasks.
Maintain all equipment in a proper condition.
Maintain physical ability and appearances in conformity with the acceptable Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office standards

To receive information concerning the Citizen Observer Patrol:

Citizen Observer Patrol
(561) 433-2003

WHAT IS THE CITIZEN OBSERVATION PATROL?

A person is appointed by the Sheriff as a Citizen Observer, who has met the designated application, background check and training requirements prescribed for the position of Citizen Observer by the Sheriff's Office, Personnel Office, Bureau of Internal Affairs and Training Bureau. The Citizen Observer member has NO law enforcement authority or power.

Each of the Citizen Observer Patrol units are supervised by a sworn law enforcement liaison officer who will monitor the performance of patrols under their jurisdiction.

The Citizen Observer Patrol program emerges as a most effective approach to residential safety, awareness and involvement. By its visibility in specially marked vehicles and personal identifications, the C.O.P. serves as a strong deterrent against unlawful actions of potential criminals. Considerable credit for the reduction of crime rates is attributed to the presence of the motorized Citizen Observer Patrols on the streets of participating neighborhoods, plus the continuous vigilance of individual Patrol members.

The effectiveness of any neighborhood Citizen Observer Patrol is totally dependent on the efficient management of the program by its Patrol leaders, together with the loyalty and dedication shared among the individual members. Your willingness to serve with the program is a positive indication of your enthusiastic interest in the safety and security of your neighborhood. Your time and energy will be a most worthwhile investment for the betterment of your community

WHO IS ON THE CITIZEN OBSERVATION PATROL?

WHAT DOES A CITIZEN OBSERVER DO?

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