The Odessa, Texas, Citizens On Patrol program began July 3, 1998. Participants were selected from the Volunteers In Policing program which consisted of graduates of the Odessa Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy that began in 1991. The initial objectives of the program were:

• to assist the Odessa Police Department through observation
• to help reduce crime in the neighborhoods by providing highly visible patrols as a deterrent to criminal activity
• to increase public presence in the neighborhoods
• to unite residents for a dedicated reason
• to improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods
• to provide a safe, secure environment for all neighborhood residents
• to make a difference in the neighborhoods
• to observe and report suspicious, criminal and dangerous activities

We currently have nine Citizens on Patrol with two marked Chevrolet Impalas. Our nine volunteers average approximately one hundred nine (109) hours per month. Our primary objective is assisting the sworn officers of the Odessa Police Department in their duties so that they may either remain in service or return to service as quickly as possible. This is accomplished in many ways including those listed below:
 

• conducting close patrols of neighborhoods and businesses
• issuing disable/handicap parking violations
• standing by for wrecker service
• standbys for utility pole repair
• lending assistance on crime scenes
• assisting at motor vehicle accident scenes
• assisting disabled/stranded motorists
• delivering assorted items such as paperwork and drug test kits to officers
• assisting Animal Control by removing deceased animals from the roadway
• patrolling parking lots during major holidays
• assisting the officers as a helper, but most importantly, as a friend
• public relations: promote the Odessa Police Department to the general public

Additionally, we lend assistance in a non-patrol capacity, as well. Most commonly, this entails working many parades and special events that occur each year, requiring police attention. Among these are the National Night Out celebrations in which our C.O.P. units go to different crime watch neighborhoods for public relation appearances. We also transport McGruff the Crime Dog to the neighborhoods during National Night Out.

The Odessa Police Department provides our volunteers with uniforms and all required equipment. The uniforms include two white uniform shirts with the Citizens on Patrol patch on each shoulder. A Volunteer in Policing patch is worn over the left chest area. The volunteers are also provided with a black coat with the same patches on each shoulder. A C.O.P. must wear black pants, black socks, and black shoes that are not provided by the police department. We are issued a portable radio, a flashlight, and one 35mm camera for each vehicle. The cameras are used to obtain photographic evidence of vehicles and license plates that are cited for parking in disabled/handicap parking areas.

The C.O.P. utilizes two Chevrolet Impalas which are marked “Citizens on Patrol”. Each unit has a built in console with in-car radios. They have amber overhead visibars and are equipped with takedown and alley lights, as well as a spotlight. Other equipment includes a ticket book holder, traffic wand, traffic vest, fire extinguisher, raincoats, Aids bag, hazmat suits, and teddy bears which are given to children in need of comfort in certain situations. The units are also supplied with drug test kits, traffic cones, and extra paperwork and forms that the officers may need while on patrol.