Citizens on Patrol Program
 

Thanks to devoted volunteers, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office now has spare eyes and ears out in the community. The Citizens on Patrol (COP) program, which began in 2007, lets citizens to volunteer with the agency to patrol designated locations around Lake County. Volunteers act as a link between the office and the surrounding community.

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I would like to see this in Sumter County as well.

Do you have to complete a class to do this? I did it in TX, but you had to complete a citizens police academy to die the patrols.

From the OP.

The LCSO COP program wants to begin a new class soon, and Nathanson suggests that potential volunteers call him to discuss whether or not this is a good match for them, as well as other volunteer possibilities.

“You have a group of positive and motivated individuals who want to dare to make a difference,” Nathanson said. “They want to be there and are excited to make a difference and get their hands dirty.”

The application for the LCSO COP program may be found on the community website at lcso.org. Nathanson may be reached at 352-326-8108 for further information.

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My wife and I did this when we lived in Ft Lauderdale...you do need to attend an orientation class on what your role is and what it isn't

We worked two-hour shifts a couple times a month

I developed new respect for the police that ride around all day in a patrol car