The Citizens Observation Patrol (COP) is a volunteer group sponsored by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's office that uses a simple approach to safeguard our neighborhoods through citizen involvement. COP volunteers, who wear uniforms and drive specially marked vehicles, are local residents who assist the Sheriff's Office. They patrol unincorporated areas of St. Lucie County for suspicious occurrences or potential hazards, conduct house checks as requested by homeowners, etc.
Become a Volunteer
To become a COP volunteer a citizen must:
Be at least twenty-one years of age
Complete a sixteen-hour COP training program offered by the Sheriff's Office
Pass a background check
Possess a valid Florida driver license
Reside in St. Lucie County
Assignments
Assignments are also available for providing volunteer marine and park patrol. COP members assigned to marine patrol are supplied boats by the Sheriff's Office. They patrol the rivers and inlets of St. Lucie County.
In addition to the basic COP class, COP members assigned to marine patrol are required to complete an extra four hours of training. COP assignments may also include patrol of St. Lucie County's public parks. When performing these duties, members report violations or inappropriate activity to law enforcement.
Learn More About Volunteering
To learn more about becoming a COP volunteer, please call the Community Engagement Unit at 772-871-5303.