Citizen Observer Program

Citizen Observer Program volunteers posing by police car

The City of Orlando recognizes that the cornerstone of Community Oriented Policing is a strong partnership between its citizens and police.

The Citizen Observer Program (C.O.P) is comprised of volunteers who help police by patrolling neighborhoods, shopping malls and school zones. Their main purpose is to report suspicious activities, persons and vehicles. C.O.P. members have no law enforcement authority and carry no weapons. They are equipped with radios that allow them to report directly to the 911 Call Center. Through the increased visibility of its specially marked vehicles, the C.O.P. helps deter criminal activity, aids in the discovery and reporting of crime and assists in the apprehension of criminals.

The Citizen Observer Program members are trained to observe and report suspected criminal activity, but never to actively confront a situation.

Volunteer for the Citizen Observer Program