Citizens on Patrol

Citizens On Patrol (COP) Service Program

COPs are trained to:

• Patrol neighborhoods, parks, and businesses
• Report suspicious people and vehicles
• Report traffic hazards
• Perform traffic control at special events such as Red, White & BTX, the city's July 4th fireworks celebration
• Complete vacation checks and close patrols
• Cohost community events; educate the community about crime prevention
• Report city ordinance violations such as junk vehicles, curfew violations, and park violations
• Patrol major retail parking lots during the holidays

COPs are also certified for handicapped parking enforcement. COPs are trained to recognize violations and write citations to put on the windshields. COPs do not confront drivers.

Eligibility

COP recruits must be at least 21 and undergo a criminal background check and have no criminal convictions above Class B Misdemeanor, or any Class B Misdemeanor in the last 10 years and no Felony convictions ever. Recruits must have a valid driver’s license, must be of good moral standing in the community (at least 2 references are required), and vision that is correctable to 20/30.

Training

Training for the COP program includes a 28-hour certification course and riding out with a field training officer. For more about the Citizens On Patrol service program, contact the Community Resources Officers via email or call (817) 426-9883.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should first attend the Citizens Police Academy. Please email or call (817) 426-9883 with any questions.