Citizens on Patrol
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The Washington County Citizens on Patrol (COP) organization was organized under the auspices of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and operates under its authority. This organization is a professionally trained, volunteer organization whose mission is to serve as an extension of the eyes and ears of the Sheriff’s Office. COP units are equipped with two-way radios and are always in contact with Central Communications (Dispatch). COP volunteers do not enforce the law, but do notify dispatch and law enforcement officials when violations of the law are observed.
Members patrol neighborhoods and over 1,300 miles of county and state roads, reporting any suspicious or unusual activities to the Sheriff’s Office. When requested, we also provide traffic control support at traffic accidents to free Sheriff Deputies for other important duties. Additional duties include traffic control and security patrols at special county events such as the Burton Cotton Gin Festival, the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet and Scarecrow Festivals, the Independence July 4th Parade and the Washington on the Brazos July 4th fireworks display. COPs also provide administrative support to the Sheriff’s Office.
COP candidates are required to complete 30 hours of training consisting of classroom instruction and operating a COP vehicle. Candidates must also pass a proficiency evaluation to become eligible.
· Traffic control: Correct and safe procedures of directing traffic.
· Communications: How to use the law Enforcement radios and radio protocol.
· HAZMAT awareness: Identification of Hazardous Material at accident sites.
· SKYWARN Weather: Identification of serious weather conditions such as tornadoes
· Pipeline Emergency Response Training: Procedures if first on the scene at a pipeline incident.
· FEMA Training through on line courses
For more information please contact Mark Pennybacker at [email protected].
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Members patrol neighborhoods and over 1,300 miles of county and state roads, reporting any suspicious or unusual activities to the Sheriff’s Office. When requested, we also provide traffic control support at traffic accidents to free Sheriff Deputies for other important duties. Additional duties include traffic control and security patrols at special county events such as the Burton Cotton Gin Festival, the Chappell Hill Bluebonnet and Scarecrow Festivals, the Independence July 4th Parade and the Washington on the Brazos July 4th fireworks display. COPs also provide administrative support to the Sheriff’s Office.
COP candidates are required to complete 30 hours of training consisting of classroom instruction and operating a COP vehicle. Candidates must also pass a proficiency evaluation to become eligible.
· Traffic control: Correct and safe procedures of directing traffic.
· Communications: How to use the law Enforcement radios and radio protocol.
· HAZMAT awareness: Identification of Hazardous Material at accident sites.
· SKYWARN Weather: Identification of serious weather conditions such as tornadoes
· Pipeline Emergency Response Training: Procedures if first on the scene at a pipeline incident.
· FEMA Training through on line courses
For more information please contact Mark Pennybacker at [email protected].
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