Citizens on Patrol

Citizens on PatrolCitizens on Patrol is a program that utilizes volunteers to help reduce or prevent crime. These special volunteers patrol their neighborhoods, becoming extra eyes and ears for the Palestine Police Department.

Why should you join Citizens on Patrol?

Volunteering with the Palestine Police Department allows individuals to actively contribute to their community's safety and well-being. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to work alongside local law enforcement, assist with community events, and provide valuable support to the department.
 
Volunteering with the police department can help you gain valuable experience, develop new skills, and make connections within you community. It can also be a fulfilling way to give back and make a positive impact on the community.
  • Fill out an application ONLINE today.

You must also pass a background check to qualify.

  1. Participation Requirements
  2. Applying

Interested in attending the next Citizens on Patrol class?

Persons participating in the Citizen’s Patrol program must:

  • Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
  • Must be a full-time resident of Palestine, Texas.
  • Have a valid Texas driver’s license or be active military with a valid out of state driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
  • Have a desire to volunteer and donate at least 6 hours of time per calendar month to patrolling, 1-2 hours for COP monthly meeting, and participate in at least one community event per year.
  • Must not have any criminal convictions, court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or any Class B misdemeanor within the past 10 years. Misdemeanors are subject to review.
  • Have no felony convictions. 
  • Have no outstanding warrants for arrest.
  • Successfully complete the Palestine Police Department Citizens on Patrol Training which will cover a range of topics, including legal aspects, patrolling techniques, rules of conduct, commonly observed offenses, and police communications.
  • Ability to recognize, understand and report suspicious activity. Skill in communicating effectively with individuals.
  • Agree to comply with PPD Policies & Procedures and Directives.
  • Pass a thorough background investigation and driving history review.
  • Complete the next Palestine Police Citizen’s Patrol Academy upon acceptance.
  1. Training
  2. Duties
  3. Equipment

Applicants must complete a 3-hour block of training. Within 45 days of completing training, they must then complete the following: 

  • Ride with one of our police officers for 5 hours, 
  • Sit in Dispatch for 1 hour, and 
  • Ride with a certified Citizens on Patrol member
  • Ride Along with program coordinator or officer

This gives a basic understanding of calls for service and situations the officers must handle. When both phases of training are completed, they receive a COPS identification card and required equipment items. 

They are then eligible to patrol with a partner. COPS members must also attend an upcoming Citizen Police Academy.

  1. Disqualifiers
  2. Discretionary Disqualifiers

Failure to properly complete and provide character references, employment information, and other information requested on the application.

Violations of the Palestine Police Department policies.

Been convicted of a felony or any offense that would be a felony if committed in Texas.

Been arrested for crimes of moral turpitude.

Used (tried), sold Marijuana, possessed Marijuana, or used Marijuana other than for experimentation. Experimentation cannot be within 5 years of applying.

Used (tried), sold, or possessed any dangerous drugs or narcotics including cocaine, crack, heroin, LSD, Methamphetamine, etc.

Been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed forces.

Had a pattern of abusing prescription drugs.

Must have no more than 4 traffic violations or preventable accidents in the past 5 years, with no more than 2 in the past 18 months. 

Been previously employed as a law enforcement officer and since has committed or violated federal, state, or city laws pertaining to criminal activity.

Lied during any stage of the volunteer screening or acceptance process.

Falsified any portion of their questionnaire or application.

The possession, carrying or attempt to carry a firearm on city premise to include all city facilities, vehicles, and any other applicable city property. This includes all individuals who possess a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

Possession of any firearms or other objects considered an illegal weapon as defined by the Texas Penal Code. Examples of some of the items are an expandable baton (asp), illegal knives, brass knuckles, etc.

Fill out an application ONLINE today.