PALM DESERT COPS MISSION STATEMENT

COPS are volunteers dedicated to serving their community by assisting the Palm Desert Police Department in its Mission to protect and serve.  In this endeavor, they act as an extra set of eyes and ears within the community, assisting police to maintain safer neighborhoods.

ABOUT US

The Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol Program was launched in 2003 in effort to further the City and its Police Department’s community policing efforts.  Currently, the program is comprised of about 30 dedicated volunteers who selflessly serve as the eyes and ears of the community by deterring crime through weekly patrols in City sponsored- specially marked uniforms and vehicles. 

 Palm Desert COPS duties include but are not limited to:

·        Conducting non-confrontational, uniformed patrols throughout designated       neighborhoods and business areas within the City of Palm Desert.

·        Providing crowd and traffic control, as well as foot/golf cart patrol at certain City         sponsored special events such as the Golf Cart Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and El Paseo Fashion Week, just to name a few.

·        Providing traffic control at accident scenes and road obstructions upon request         from the City and/or its Police Department.

·        Reporting code violations, graffiti, and unmarked handicapped parking areas to        respective City departments.

·        Reporting suspicious activity, abandon vehicles, expired registration, and illegal        parking violations to the Police Department.

·        Conducting vacant property, garage, and home checks.

·        Assisting the Police Department with special assignments upon request such as      DUI and “Click it or Ticket” checkpoints.

·        Providing ongoing assistance to the Police Department with its “You Are Not             Alone” (YANA) Program.

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM BECOMING A COPS MEMBER?

Becoming a member of the Palm Desert COPS Program makes you a part of a team of other dedicated citizens who are looking out for your welfare as well as their own.  Upon approval of your completed COPS application, which includes successfully passing a police department background check and completing an interview with the COPS Program’s City and Police Department’s staff liaisons, new recruits will be required to complete a City sponsored training regimen in order to become a full fledged member.  Some of the training required to become a member of the Palm Desert COPS Program includes:

·        Completion of one eight (8) hour ride-along with a Palm Desert Police Officer

·        CPR & First Aid Certification

·        Completion of a Defensive Driving Course

·        Traffic & Accident Scene Control Training

·        Enrollment in the Palm Springs Citizens Police Academy

In addition, members are provided equipment training as needed throughout the year as well as classes on ethics and anti-harassment.  The preparation and training is spread over a period of time and there is no pressure except to live up to your volunteer time commitment of at least four hours per week and the rules outlined in the Palm Desert COPS Standard Practice Manual.  Being a COPS member is a responsible way to become involved in your community and protect its values.

COME JOIN OUR TEAM OF DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS

Adventure, interesting activities, and fun is yours in return for a little of your time.  If you are over the age of 18, possess a valid driver’s license, and are interested in serving the community in a volunteer/ambassadorial capacity, the Palm Desert COPS Program needs you.  Program participation is not limited to Palm Desert residents; anyone can join upon meeting certain requirements and passing an initial background check.  If you are interested in joining this award winning program, please call (760) 346-0611, ext. 331, to request an application.