Citizens on Patrol

"Community in Partnership with Law Enforcement"

The Palm Springs Police Department Citizens on Patrol program began in 1995 when several citizens approached the Chief of Police asking how they could be of assistance to the Department in the performance of its duties. Originally consisting of only 10 members, the fledgling group grew quickly, in spite of the fact that a rigid training requirement had been established as a prerequisite for membership.

Staffed by volunteers, and headed by a director and a program coordinator, the members completed training in such areas as traffic control, safe patrol techniques, CPR, and First Aid. Within a few short months these dedicated people were taking their place beside regular officers, assisting them in non-confrontational activities.

Currently boasting a membership of nearly forty members, the volunteers routinely perform a wide variety of support functions for the Department. Among those duties are: conducting appeal hearings for impounded vehicles for the Traffic Division, assisting in the Crime Lab, maintaining the police armory, processing sex and narcotics registrants, and assisting in the operation of the Downtown Experience substation and city-services office. Citizens On Patrol contributed more than 4000 volunteer hours during 2005.

While the primary function of Citizens On Patrol is to patrol the streets of Palm Springs in fully equipped marked vehicles and act as the "eyes and ears" of the Department, many special details are also handled by the volunteers. Palm Springs has become the Parade Capital of Southern California with almost a dozen parades throughout the year. Citizens On Patrol handle traffic control at these parades as well as at road races and other public events. Other assignments have included surveillance details and crime scene security.

An emergency call out procedure is used to mobilize Citizens On Patrol volunteers during major traffic collisions, hazardous material spills, fires, extreme weather conditions, or any crisis. One of the volunteer staff members can be reached 24 hours per day, by pager or by a dispatcher. The staff member will then mobilize the required volunteers in a matter of minutes.

Requirements for membership in Citizens On Patrol are: be at least 18 years old, possess a valid California driver's license, be physcially capable of performing C.O.P. duties, complete the thirteen week Citizens Police Academy, attend a certificated CPR and First Aid course and complete a 30 hour training regimen conducted by volunteer Citizens On Patrol staff members, police officers, and dispatchers. They must also be willing to contribute at least 12 hours of their time per month to the program and attend a minimum of eight monthly meetings per year.

The Palm Springs Citizens on Patrol Program is seeking new members. If you are interested in helping your community in an exciting and significant program, C.O.P. membership may be for you.

You will work side by side with law enforcement officials preserving the welfare and safety of the citizens of Palm Springs. You will receive specialized training in all areas of law enforcement and will patrol the streets of the City.

Membership Requirements:

• Attend the Palm Springs Police Department Citizens' Police Academy.
• Have a valid California driver's license.
• Attend a CPR and First Aid Class.
• Pass a background check.
• Complete a training regimen and qualifications check given by the Citizens on Patrol volunteer staff.

If you are interested in becoming a member of this highly respected organization, contact Lt. John Booth at (760) 323-8119 or email: