WITH 75 active members, Palm Bay VCOPs act as the eyes and ears of the department
Palm Bay Police Volunteer Citizen Observer Program (VCOP) member Patty Gillis is the first person a citizen sees when entering the lobby to seek help. Her willingness to listen and direct people to the proper departments eases the anxiety some feel coming to the police department.
BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Palm Bay Police Volunteer Citizen Observer Program (VCOP) member Patty Gillis is a native Floridian who moved to the Palm Bay area in 2020.
Prior to retiring, she worked at AT&T for 33 years, as an Assistant to Directors and Vice Presidents in both Miami and Atlanta.
While surfing the internet, Patty came across information about the VCOP Program. She saw an opportunity to give back, joined the program in 2022, and has been a member of the front desk staff ever since.
Gillis is the first person a citizen sees when they enter the lobby looking for help. Her willingness to listen and direct people to the proper departments eases the anxiety some feel coming to the police department.
She also processes VIN checks, handles Fix-It Tickets, and schedules appointments for ink fingerprinting.
In addition to assisting citizens at the front desk, Gillis has helped in the supply department and maintains the binder of front-desk procedural changes.
When not volunteering, she can be found working on small DIY projects around the house and shopping for antiques and thrift items on the weekends.
The Volunteer Citizen Observer Program is a civilian volunteer organization within the Palm Bay Police Department, established in February 1996. With over 75 active members, VCOPs act as the “eyes and ears” of the department, performing non-enforcement tasks to support police operations and community services.
The Volunteer Citizen Observer Program is a civilian volunteer organization within the Palm Bay Police Department, established in February 1996.
With over 75 active members, VCOPs act as the “eyes and ears” of the department, performing non-enforcement tasks to support police operations and community services.
Volunteers serve in a wide variety of capacities, freeing up sworn officers for higher-priority duties:
Patrol Duties: Conducting residential vacation house checks, neighborhood patrols, and commercial security checks.
Administrative Support: Staffing the front lobby desk, processing VIN verifications, fingerprinting, and handling “Fix-It” ticket reviews.
Traffic & Safety: Assisting with traffic control at accident scenes, parades, and public events, as well as placing and recovering speed radar trailers.
Community Outreach: Assisting victims, placing crime bulletins, and helping vulnerable populations during or after natural disasters.
If you would like to be a VCOP like Patty, email vcop@palmbayfl.gov.
