Police Invite Citizens to Participate in Citizens on Patrol Program

The Bowling Green Police Division is accepting applications for the Citizen’s On Patrol (C.O.P.) program.  This program, originally introduced in the fall of 2000, is seeking members for the spring 2012 season. 

The purpose of the C.O.P. program is three-fold:  1) To deter criminal activity in our city neighborhoods and to reduce the amount of criminal activity in our community.  2) To increase resident/student respect and cooperation.  3) To continue the Police Division’s commitment to improve the quality of life experienced in our city’s neighborhoods and to involve the community in decisions that directly affect them.  Residents and students will assist the Police Division by “patrolling” specific city neighborhoods on a volunteer basis. C.O.P. members will be equipped with a two-way radio to report suspicious activity to the Police.  An officer will then be dispatched to investigate.  C.O.P. members will not become directly involved with any suspicious subjects, but will be the “eyes & ears” of the Police Division.  C.O.P. members will be provided with training and equipment prior to actual patrolling.  The days and hours of operation have in the past been  Thursday, Friday and Saturday, from 11:00pm to 3:00am.

Selection Criteria:  Those having an interest in participating must meet the following minimum requirements:  1). 18 years of age or older; 2). Bowling Green resident or B.G.S.U. student; 3). No criminal record; 4). Submit to a background investigation; 5). Complete a mandatory 4-hour training session; 6). Be available to participate in the program.

Interested individuals may request an application by contacting the Bowling Green Police Division at 352-2571, or 352-1131; e-mail mmcdonough@bgohio.org, or fax your request at 353-6491.  C.O.P. membership has a limited number of participants.  Applications will be accepted at the Police Division through Thursday, March 1, 2012.