The Citizens on Patrol (COP) Program

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Citizens on Patrol (COP) is an active volunteer group that was established by the Sheriff’s Office over ten (10) years ago. The members originally attended the Sheriff’s Citizen Academy classes and then were recruited for the Citizens on Patrol. Members were chosen after interviews with department staff and then attended an eight (8) week course specially designed for patrol members. All patrol members wear uniforms, consisting of a tan top and black pants, only when out on patrol or assigned a community service project.

The patrol members drive a marked cruiser and cover all of Butler County. They check on the homes of those who have requested vacation checks in all thirteen (13) townships. COP checks Metro Parks and other small parks or areas as requested as well.

They patrol school lots within the county, neighborhoods and other businesses. All the areas are documented by a patrol member and these are kept for reports. Members aim to go out on patrol at least twice a month and try to see that each week of the month has coverage. Most patrols are scheduled for six (6) to eight (8) hours per shift.

Reports are made and documented for the Sheriff’s Office and a special volunteer hour report is generated for the Auditor’s Office. This and the monthly schedule of patrol hours and correspondence are handled by the Civilian Coordinator who is a patrol member.

In 2017, Citizens on Patrol logged one thousand three hundred thirty-eight (1,338) hours of volunteer time, conducted one thousand one hundred fifty-two (1,156) vacation home checks, one thousand seven hundred thirty-one (1,731) extra patrol requests and drove in excess of eleven thousand one hundred ninety-six (11,196) miles throughout Butler County. There were eleven (11) active COP members. Marilyn Schellenbach is the civilian coordinator of the program. Her duties include scheduling, maintaining statistical information, and assisting with meetings. All the members are proud to be a part of Citizens on Patrol and take our commitment seriously.

A Citizens’ Academy was held in August of 2017 so ten (10) new members will be joining COP in 2018.

For questions and inquires regarding the Citizens on Patrol (COP) program please contact Lt. Joe Fuller at jfuller@butlersheriff.org