Citizens on Preventive Patrol (COPP)

CITIZENS ON PREVENTIVE PATROL (C.O.P.P.) was instituted in 1987 as a volunteer group of private citizens to assist officers of the Beavercreek Police Department.  Volunteers are trained in police procedures via classes taught by police personnel, C.O.P.P. volunteers, and representatives from various agencies connected with law enforcement.
C.O.P.P. training lasts eight weeks and is conducted at the Police Department.  The classes are held twice each week for three hours each session.  There is also a Saturday CPR training session.  In addition, the trainees spend 16 hours riding with officers and 8 hours with C.O.P.P. members.
Trainees also spend several hours in the Communications Center to observe the dispatchers performing their duties taking 9-1-1 calls and dispatching officers and fire department personnel.
Upon successful completion of the curriculum, the trainees will graduate and receive their uniforms.  C.O.P.P. volunteers always perform duty in pairs.  Prior to graduation, the trainees must establish a partnership with another trainee or a current C.O.P.P. volunteer without a partner.
C.O.P.P.s are not armed, nor to they have any powers to arrest or detain.

DUTIES:  Members must volunteer four hours per week for patrol.  However, a C.O.P.P. is also expected to assist, when summoned - - above and beyond the required four hours with emergency call-outs.  Volunteers must also be prepared to assist at one or more of the following annual city-sponsored events:  July 4th parade and fireworks, Popcorn Festival, and the Beavercreek High School Homecoming Parade.

REQUIREMENTS:    A C.O.P.P. must be a resident of the City of Beavercreek, possess a valid Ohio driver’s license, and be at least 21 years old.  Trainees are required to submit to a polygraph and drug-screening test prior to starting classes.

In 1988, CITIZENS ON PREVENTIVE PATROL was designated “Ohio’s Best Crime Prevention Program, Public Sector” by the Ohio Crime Prevention Assn., in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Services.

Applications may be obtained at the dispatchers’ window, B.P.D., 1388 Research Park Dr., Beavercreek, or downloaded here.

Any questions about the COPP program should be directed to Sgt. Ted McFaddin at 426-1225 ext. 248.