|
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.
WHAT EXACTLY IS COPS?
- COPS is a
recognized crime prevention program.
- COPS is a
program that exists around the world.
- COPS assist
police by being the “eyes and ears” of the community.
- COPS, from
a national perspective stands for “citizens on patrol”.
- COPS are
citizens that enjoy making a difference in their communities.
- COPS are
not police officers; rather they are a valued resource to the local police
agency.
- COPS are an
integral strategic partnership of ensuring safe homes and safe communities.
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.
|