Police Citizens on Patrol
Gilbert Citizens on Patrol volunteers assist officers at traffic accidents providing help as needed. They patrol neighborhoods and businesses, provide motorist assistance, patrol special events, and are available for call-outs to major incidents.
Requirements
A Gilbert Citizens on Patrol (GCOP) Volunteer must:
- Pass the Gilbert PD background investigation.
- Be at least 21 years old.
- Have a valid Arizona driver's license.
- Carry personal automobile insurance.
Qualifications
GCOP training must be successfully completed, this includes:
- 15 hours of classroom training
- Safety
- Radio use and police codes
- Overview of driver safety, traffic laws, and Gilbert statutes
- Computer software training
- Gilbert landmarks
- Schools, churches, shopping & entertainment centers
- 60 hours of patrol training
- Safety
- Overview of traffic control and traffic patterns
- Mapping
- Assisting at accident scenes
- Motorist assist
- Abandoned vehicle
- Vacation watch/special patrol
- Gilbert landmarks and seasonal traffic
- Driver Training
- Vehicle operation
- Maneuvering
- Accident avoidance
- Using lights and horn
- Testing occurs throughout the training process
Responsibilities and Duties
GCOP Volunteers:
- Always adhere to safety protocols and follow state and local traffic laws
- Report to two designated patrol officers
- Are supervised by sworn personnel when in the field
- Provide supplemental vacation watch patrols
- Patrol neighborhoods, schools, churches, shopping & entertainment centers
- Patrol parking lots for vehicles parking in handicap spaces without proper signage, and provide information to the driver
- Respond to accident scenes and assist with traffic flow and diversion, and other tasks when requested
Daily Expectations
- GCOP Volunteers wear their complete uniform while doing their duties
- Uniform and personal appearance shall be clean and neat
- A vehicle inspection will be done before and after patrolling
- Necessary paperwork will be completed before and after patrolling
- GCOP Volunteers are encouraged to engage with Gilbert citizens, providing assistance when asked
- Injuries or accidents are reported immediately
