Citizens on Patrol

National Citizens on Patrol Association BadgeThe Odessa, Texas, Citizens on Patrol (COP) program began July 3, 1998. Participants were selected from the Volunteers In Policing program which consisted of graduates of the Odessa Police Department's Citizens Police Academy that began in 1991. Review the initial COP Program Objectives (PDF) document.

We currently have 9 Citizens on Patrol with two marked Chevrolet Impalas. Our 9 volunteers average approximately 109 hours per month.

How the Program Helps

Our primary objective is assisting the sworn officers of the Odessa Police Department in their duties so that they may either remain in service or return to service as quickly as possible. This is accomplished in many ways, including:

  • Conducting close patrols of neighborhoods and businesses 
  • Issuing disabled/handicap parking violations 
  • Standing by for wrecker service 
  • Standbys for utility pole repair 
  • Lending assistance on crime scenes 
  • Assisting at motor vehicle accident scenes 
  • Assisting disabled/stranded motorists 
  • Delivering assorted items such as paperwork and drug test kits to officers 
  • Assisting Animal Control by removing deceased animals from the roadway 
  • Patrolling parking lots during major holidays 
  • Assisting the officers as a helper, but most importantly, as a friend 
  • Public relations: promote the Odessa Police Department to the general public 

We lend assistance in a non-patrol capacity as well. Most commonly, this entails working the many parades and special events that occur each year. Among these are the National Night Out celebrations in which our COP units go to different crime watch neighborhoods for public relation appearances. We also transport McGruff the Crime Dog to the neighborhoods during National Night Out.

Equipment

The Odessa Police Department provides our volunteers with uniforms and all required equipment. Volunteers must wear black pants, black socks, and black shoes that are not provided by the Police Department. We are issued a portable radio, a flashlight, and one 35 millimeter camera for each vehicle. The cameras are used to obtain photographic evidence of vehicles and license plates that are cited for illegally parking in disabled/handicap parking areas.

The COP utilizes 2 Chevrolet Tahoes, marked "Citizens on Patrol." Each unit has a built-in console with in-car radios. The Tahoes come equipped with amber overhead visibars, are takedown lights, alley lights, and spotlights. Other equipment includes:

  • AIDS bag
  • Drug test kits
  • Extra paperwork and forms that the officers may need while on patrol
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hazmat suits
  • Raincoats
  • Teddy bears which are given to children in need of comfort in certain situations
  • Ticket book holder
  • Traffic cones
  • Traffic vest
  • Traffic wand
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Requirements & Phases

The requirements for the Citizens on Patrol program are:

  • Be a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy.
  • Be 18 years of age.
  • Have a valid drivers license.
  • Be in good health.
  • Meet current CJIS and TCOLE standards. 
  • Have a good driving record. 

A new COP must complete a three phase training course before taking an oath:

  • Phase I: Two 8-10 hour patrols with an instructor (ride and observe only) 
  • Phase II: Two 8-10 hour patrols sharing half of the responsibilities (driving, radio traffic, and paperwork) 
  • Phase III: Two 8-10 hour patrols assuming all the responsibilities required on a regular patrol (driving, radio traffic, paperwork)

For Additional Information

While some cities of comparable size to Odessa have a larger Citizens on Patrol program, the number of volunteer hours and our statistics reflect that ours is a group of very proud and dedicated individuals who give unselfishly and without hesitation of their time and themselves to make their community a safer place to live and raise a family. We feel strongly that we have made, and will continue to make a difference.

For additional information regarding the Department's COP program, please contact Corporal Michael Hamilton at 432--335-3361 or  by email.  You can also contact Corporal Steve LeSueur at 432-335-3322 or by email.