Citizens On Patrol (COP) & Volunteers in Policing

Overview

COP was first integrated into the Greenville Police Department's Community Programs in the late 1990s as an effort to enhance the Department's community policing concept. The Greenville Police Department is proud of the partnership that it has with the community and knows that there are individuals that want to help even more through service to the department and to the community. Members of the Greenville Police Department Citizens on Patrol operate out of a marked volunteer vehicle and assist with vacation close watches, minor vehicle accidents, traffic control at major accidents, vehicle lock outs, handicap violations, abandoned vehicle enforcement, and other duties. The Citizens on Patrol also help with community events such as parades, 5K’s, and other road closures.

The Volunteers in Policing work at the Greenville Police Department helping our records division, vehicle maintenance, courts, administration, and property. This group of individuals give of their free time to help supplement the officers and personnel at the police department. To become a member of this organization, individuals must first complete the Citizens Police Academy and then attend the 40 hour COP/VIP Academy where they receive advanced training. The members that want to become part of the Citizens on Patrol must then complete 40 hours of field training with a Greenville Police Officer before they are allowed to operate as a two person unit without an officer in the car.

If you are interested in becoming a member of either Citizens on Patrol or Volunteers in Policing, Contact Lt. Gary Barrow or Officer James Hamilton

Requirements

Each volunteer must complete a ten-week 40 hour Training Academy and a 40 hour Field Training Program
Each member of the unit must volunteer a minimum of 12 hours each calendar month, excluding any training
Applicants must first complete the Citizen's Police Academy

First Citizens on Patrol Class

What COPs Do

After completion of the requirements, COP members:

Patrol the streets of Greenville in a marked COP vehicle
Serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Greenville Police Department
Assist the Department by performing many non-enforcement functions, including, but not limited to:

Crime prevention patrols
Motorist assistance
Wrecker stand-bys
Traffic control
Close watch patrols
Parking enforcement, including disabled parking
Aid in working minor motor vehicle accidents

Mission

The Unit's mission is to act as a force multiplier for the City's police officers. Members of the Unit will perform non-law enforcement functions so that the police officers can be available to answer more calls. The Unit will also act as a deterrent to criminal activity by conducting highly visible patrols.