Citizens Observer Patrol Program (C.O.P.)

Answer the call to service—join our Citizens Observer Patrol (C.O.P.) Team!

Looking for a meaningful way to give back to the Tequesta community? C.O.P. volunteers serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Tequesta Police Department and play a vital role in supporting community safety.

About the C.O.P. ProgramVolunteer C.O.P. on TPD Boat

The Tequesta Citizens Observer Patrol Program is the volunteer extension of the Tequesta Police Department. Formed in January 2012, the program provides additional watchful eyes and ears to support community safety.

C.O.P. volunteers provide extra eyes and ears in the community and help by observing and reporting concerns. They do not make arrests or issue tickets and do not carry weapons. A designated C.O.P. vehicle is available for on-duty operations.

What C.O.P. Volunteers Do

  • Perform weekly Closed Home checks for residents.

  • Provide support to the Police Department during Village of Tequesta events, including:
    Movies in the Park, Food Trucks, Chili Cook-Off, Tequesta Fest, and the Christmas Parade

  • Conduct patrols in residential areas, shopping centers, and parks within the Village.

  • Execute special patrols and report issues such as:
    street light outages, missing street signs, and residential address numeral compliance

  • Assist during Village events with crowd control, traffic support, and helping everything run smoothly and safely.

Requirements to Join

  • Must be 18 years or older

  • High school diploma or GED required

  • Commit to volunteering a minimum of 6 hours per month (day/evening shifts), including meeting attendance

  • Be available for service during at least 6 months of the calendar year

  • Complete an agency background investigation, including fingerprinting, driver license check, and FCIC/NCIC check

Training

  • Complete a minimum of two (4) four-hour ride-alongs with a sworn Tequesta Police officer

  • Shadow fellow C.O.P. volunteers during closed home patrols, routine patrols, and special events (minimum 8 hours)

  • Annual CJIS certification

How to Apply