C.O.P. Frequently Asked Questions
What is C.O.P.?How do I join the Citizens On Patrol?
I don't know anyone in the Citizens On Patrol Program. What should I do?
How much or often do I need to patrol?
How much does it cost to join the Citizens On Patrol?
Do I have to provide anything to patrol?
Is the Citizens On Patrol program safe?
How old do I have to be to join the Citizens On Patrol?
I have children. Can they come with me to patrol and to rideouts?
What is C.O.P.?
In early 1995, the Beaumont Police Department, along with several Beaumont neighborhood associations, initiated a program called Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.). The program consists of volunteers from established Beaumont neighborhood associations who donate their time to patrol their neighborhood while driving their own vehicles or vehicles provided by their organization. The object of the program is to provide more eyes and ears on the streets observing and reporting crime and/or suspicious activity.HERE.
How do I join the Citizens On Patrol?You can join the Citizens On Patrol by calling (409) 880-3802, this is the number to the Community Oriented Police Division of the Beaumont Police Department. The two officers that work in the office will be happy to assist you. For complete details on joining click
I don't know anyone in the Citizens On Patrol Program. What should I do?
It's ok if you don't know anyone in the organization. Every month, the C.O.P. has a “City Wide Ride Out”. The C.O.P. Executive Board selects a neighborhood association’s area that will be patrolled and letters are sent out to all Beaumont patrollers containing time, date and location and any goals that are hoped to be accomplished. The rideouts are also posted in the events section of the C.O.P. website. You can access this section by clicking HERE.
On the night of the ride out patrollers from all neighborhood associations meet at the predetermined location. This location is usually a restaurant so that everyone can have dinner while swapping stories, sharing tips on patrolling or just getting to see some of their fellow patrollers from the other areas and meeting the new patrollers that have just joined. The patrollers also discuss their concerns and problems, what can be done to improve the program, what the police can do to assist us, etc. While having dinner, maps of the neighborhood area to be patrolled are distributed to all the patrollers. After everyone has had a good meal and socialized, equipment is given a final check and the police give any last minute details. Problem areas of the neighborhood, “hot spots” as they are called, are explained and pointed out so patrollers can be especially alert. For the next 2 hours the C.O.P. takes to the streets of that area, patrolling the neighborhood association's boundaries – trying to get the attention of the residents – and to especially let the bad guys know that there are many eyes watching what is going on. New patrollers may ride with other patrollers or with one of the two police officers of the program, to get a feel for what it is to be in the Citizens On Patrol.
Our rideouts are a great chance to meet fellow patrollers and have proven to be quite productive.
How much or often do I need to Patrol?
A patroller may patrol as much or as often as they wish. The only stipulation the Citizens On Patrol Program has is that at least one hour a year is patrolled. This isn't hard since even the City Wide Rideouts count as patrolling. After six months of inactivity a patroller must surrender any equipment on loan to him by the program and after one year of inactivity, a patroller is dropped from our patrollers list and must retake the entrance class to participate again.
How much does it cost to join the Citizens On Patrol?
The Citizens On Patrol program is FREE to all who join! Anyone who has an interest in making their neighborhoods free from crime is encouraged to join. Local businesses and C.O.P. fundraisers are what generate the money needed for the running of the program.
Do I have to provide anything to patrol?
A patroller is not obligated to provide any of their own equipment. The main requirement is that a patroller has reliable transportation in which to patrol the neighborhoods in. The cost of all equipment and signs are underwritten by local businesses and C.O.P. fundraisers. Some patrollers do however, make personal patrolling kits that they may use as they wish. Some things include personal cell phone, flashlight, pen, paper, binoculars, etc. Although some patrollers do create their own patrolling kits, patrollers are in no way obligated to provide their own equipment.
Is the Citizens On Patrol program safe?
If all of the C.O.P. rules and guidelines are followed, ABSOLUTELY! The first and foremost concern of the Citizens On Patrol program is the safety of our patrollers! That is why the guidelines have been put in place. To see all the rules and guidelines that a patroller must follow click HERE.
How old do I have to be to join the Citizens On Patrol?
The age requirement for admission into the program is 18. For further information regarding admission criteria, click HERE.
I am licensed to carry a concealed handgun by the State Of Texas.
Can I carry my gun with me in the car while I patrol?NO! The rules of "No weapons or firearms" in the C.O.P. Rules of Conduct apply to Concealed Handgun Licensed individuals as well. If a weapon is found in a patrollers vehicle he will be subject to disciplinary action by the Citizens On Patrol Board of Governors up to and including expulsion from the program.
I have children. Can they come with me to patrol and to rideouts?
Sure! Many of our patrollers have children that ride with them while they patrol. Just remember, you are responsible for your own children while you are patrolling. The Citizens On Patrol organization is not liable for anything that happens to children while you are on patrol or participating in any C.O.P. activity.