Duties & Eligibility
The responsibilities of our Citizens on Patrol are varied and are growing as time goes by. The following are some of the duties performed by our members:
- High visibility non-confrontational patrol.
- Assisting officers/community service officers as needed.
- Traffic control.
- Storing/impounding marked abandoned vehicles.
- Crime scene preservation.
- Re-supply of district stations.
- Search for missing children/adults.
- Book property.
- Transport department vehicles.
- Transport victims/witnesses.
- Operate radar display boards.
- Handicap parking enforcement.
- Assist at special events.
- Holiday patrol of shopping centers.
Monthly training sessions are held to update COP members. Training is also held on a monthly basis to address concerns specific to the district that the individual COP is assigned to.
Eligibility
The following is a list of requirements for acceptance into our program.
- Be 21 years of age or older.
- Possess a valid California Driver’s License. Applicants must also have and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
- Have no felony convictions.
- Have no misdemeanor convictions within two years of filing an application.
- Possess competent written/verbal English skills.
- Successfully complete the Fresno Police Department’s Citizens on Patrol Academy and an oral interview.
- Attend a monthly district team meeting.
- Attend a monthly COP training meeting.
- Perform 16 hours of patrol duty each month.
- Pass a background check.
- Be in good physical condition and present a physician-signed medical waiver.
- Purchase own uniform.