Citizen Observer Patrol

Together we can be a great team. The Broward Sheriff's Office believes that with residents helping our officers spot suspicious activities, we can stop crimes before they are committed. BSO's Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) Program is a volunteer group sponsored by the Sheriff's Office that uses a simple approach to safeguarding neighborhoods through residents' involvement.  COP volunteers are local residents who help BSO fight crime by patrolling their community, looking out for suspicious activity or potential hazards and offering assistance to local residents.

Typical assignments in addition to patrol activities include performing checks on unoccupied residences (at the owner's request), checking on elderly or homebound residents (as requested)and reporting potential problems and neighborhood hazards to BSO. COP volunteers wear uniforms and drive specially marked vehicles, adding to the crime-fighting presence in the community. Applicants must be 18 years of age, reside in Broward County, pass a background check, possess a valid Florida driver's license, complete at least four hours of the training program and comply with all program policies and procedures.

For more information on becoming a COP volunteer, contact Ashley Barcena at Ashley_Barcena@sheriff.org or by calling (954) 988-5830.

Download an application packet for the COPs program (this is a PDF file and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader). Complete the form and return it to the BSO Cooper City District office located at 10580 Stirling Road, Cooper City, FL 33026.  Applicants should attach a photocopy of their driver's license or other identification to this packet.