WE NEED YOU IN C. O. P. – JOIN US IN PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITY
SLC SHERIFF’S OFFICE CITIZEN OBSERVATION PATROL (C. O. P.) PROGRAM
C.O. P. is an important activity of the Crime Prevention Unit of the SLC Sheriff’s Office. There are over 225 volunteers in 18 Groups throughout the County. We have a fleet of 24 vehicles, and one boat. We patrol nine private communities, as well as nine geographical zones, and the St. Lucie River. Our county is over 700 square miles, and we actively provide support through visibility and first person observation reporting in over 300 of those.
WE ARE C. O. P. DISTRICT 9
District 9 is a busy and complicated geographical District. Our volunteers work as eyes and ears for the SLC Sheriff’s Office and the Fort Pierce Police Department. In 2016 we averaged about 100 hours a month on the road, drove 427 patrols on 340 days of the year, drove about 1000 miles per month, made 76 calls to 911 for law enforcement response, dealt with 135 more situations on our own or with direct contact with law enforcement officers in the area, and handled almost 300 citizen flag downs for information, directions or assistance.
DISTRICT BOUNDARIES
Our volunteers patrol South Hutchinson Island from the lagoon shore line under the South Bridge to the north boundary of the FPL power plant. Typical patrols run 2 1/2 hours to thoroughly cover our territory. Because we patrol both within the boundaries of Fort Pierce and in unincorporated County areas we work with both law enforcement agencies.
THE DISTRICT INCLUDES
- 7 County Parks.
- 9 City Parks, including the linear park along the inlet.
- 5 dune crossings with parking lots.
- 6 boat and kayak launch areas including those in parks.
- A fishing jetty, fishing piers, and numerous roadside pull out fishing areas.
- 4 hiking areas with parking.
- A dining and entertainment area with several restaurants, five of which have live bands most evenings and weekends.
- Three blocks of commercial area with retail outlets, offices, and various services, plus three scattered hotels and a bank.
- Tourism attractions including the County Historical Museum, County Aquarium and sea life exhibit, kayak and bike rentals, and a marina currently under construction that will include RV sites.
- Over 4000 residential units, including three gated communities, two of which have private security, and eight condo developments.
WHAT WE WOULD EXPECT FROM YOU
- A brief interview and completion of our application with a notarized signature. A law enforcement background check will be conducted. Valid Driver’s License is required.
- Completion of a sixteen hour classroom training over a four day period, usually in the evening, and including a driving test.
- Completion of a three hour field training drive in our District with an experienced volunteer.
- A commitment to drive a minimum of 8 – 10 hours per month at times convenient for you when you are in Florida. Seasonal residents are acceptable for our program.
- Participation in one or two District training meetings per year.
COME JOIN US – HELP PROTECT YOUR COMMUNITY
For further information contact:
Bruce Murray – District 9 Leader
772-285-1755
mailmurray@aol.com
Crime Prevention Unit
St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office
772-871-5303
www.slsheriff.com