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Melbourne Police Accepting Citizen Patrol Applications

By  //  January 2, 2014

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New Training Session Begins Next tuesday

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ABOVE MAP: Applications are available at the Melbourne Police Department (650 N. Apollo Blvd.), the Community Relations Office located in Melbourne Square Mall (across from Macy’s), and online HERE.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Melbourne Police Department is for the first time in two years accepting applications for its Volunteer Citizens Observer Patrol (VCOP) officer training program.

VCOPs assist the police with essential public services, including vacation home checks, traffic safety, homeland security checks, special events, and patrols and parking. (Melbourne Police Department image)
VCOPs assist the police with essential public services, including vacation home checks, traffic safety, homeland security checks, special events, and patrols and parking. (Melbourne Police Department image)

VCOPs assist the police with essential public services, including vacation home checks, traffic safety, homeland security checks, special events, and patrols and parking.

“This a good program for those who enjoy community service and want to give back,” said Ken Jones, Community Relations Coordinator for the Melbourne Police Department.

“VCOPs provide critical services, take on interesting and fulfilling volunteer assignments, and have the opportunity to work with police, fire, and EMS professionals.”

VCOPs are well-trained and well-prepared for their duties. (MPD image)
VCOPs are well-trained and well-prepared for their duties. (MPD image)

VCOPs are well-trained and well-prepared for their duties. All VCOPs enroll in a 40-hour training course before they begin their service where they learn CPR and first aid, observation techniques, police procedures, traffic control, safe driving techniques, basic law enforcement rules and regulations, and how to effectively interact and communicate with others.

NEXT TRAINING SESSION BEGINS JAN. 7

Beginning in 2014, two training sessions will be held each year. The next session will start on Tuesday, Jan. 7 and will run until March 4. Classes will be held each Tuesday, 6-10 PM.

“This a good program for those who enjoy community service and want to give back” — Ken Jones

Interested volunteers should apply by Friday, December 20, to participate in the training session that begins on January 7. Applicants must process a valid Florida driver’s license, be U.S. citizens at least 21 years of age, complete a background check, and be willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a month.

Applications are available at the Melbourne Police Department (650 N. Apollo Blvd.), the Community Relations Office located in Melbourne Square Mall (across from Macy’s), and online HERE.

For more information call 321-608-6336.