The city of Buckeye is stepping up its community policing efforts with a call for volunteers for its Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.) program. The initiative invites local residents to take an active role in the safety of their city by patrolling assigned areas. Volunteers drive marked vehicles, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activities while maintaining a visible presence intended to help deter crime.
"You drive around and wave at people, and you’re also making a difference in that there’s only so many eyes and ears in the community," Dan Kupsky, captain of the Verrado C.O.P. program, told the Buckeye Police Department's newsroom. The program isn't solely for those with a law enforcement background. In fact, any Buckeye resident who passes a background check completes a drug test, and possesses a valid driver's license can apply to become a volunteer.
Interested individuals will not only get fitted for a uniform, but they will also learn police radio communication and go on patrols with seasoned volunteers. Their duties range from patrolling at least six hours a month to attending meetings and completing required paperwork at the end of each shift. C.O.P. volunteers work in teams of two during shifts that typically span two to three hours.
While the volunteers play a valuable role, they are not armed and do not have law enforcement authority. Their primary responsibilities include reporting any suspicious activity they encounter and assisting in non-enforcement activities such as traffic control at accident scenes. "You’re helping keep an eye on your community and know what’s going on," Kupsky said. He also noted the social benefits of the role, "I think the more you give, the more you get," highlighting the positive reactions from the community.
If you're interested in giving back to your community and keeping Buckeye safe, reach out to Police Program Coordinator, Don McWilliams, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 623-349-6459 for more details about the C.O.P. volunteer program.
