• Be a graduate of the Citizens Police Academy.
• Be member of the Volunteer in Policing and volunteered 30 hours.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Have a valid drivers license.
• Be in good health.
• Have no criminal record ( no felony convictions; and/or A or B Misdemeanors within last two years)
• Have a good driving record.

A new C.O.P. must complete a three phase training course before taking an oath. The phases consist of the following:

Phase I: Two 8-10 hour patrols with an instructor (ride and observe only)

Phase II: Two 8-10 hour patrols sharing half of the responsibilities (driving, radio traffic, and paperwork)

Phase III: Two 8-10 hour patrols assuming all the responsibilities required on a regular patrol (driving, radio traffic, paperwork)

While some cities of comparable size to Odessa have a larger Citizens on Patrol program, the number of volunteer hours and our statistics reflect that ours is a group of very proud and dedicated individuals who give unselfishly and without hesitation of their time and themselves to make their community a safer place to live and raise a family. We feel strongly that we have made, and will continue to make a difference.