Buckeye Police Seek Volunteers for Patrol Program

The Buckeye Police Department wants residents to join its Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.) program. This initiative invites local citizens to actively keep their neighborhoods safe by patrolling designated areas in marked vehicles and reporting suspicious activities.

Program Overview

Dan Kupsky, captain of the Verrado C.O.P. program, emphasized the importance of these volunteers. “You drive around, wave at people, and make a real difference. We need more eyes and ears in the community,” he said.

The C.O.P. program covers three key areas: Buckeye Town Proper, Verrado/Victory, and Festival/North Buckeye. Volunteers patrol the areas where they live. While they don’t carry weapons or have law enforcement authority, their presence helps prevent crime and keep the community safe by reporting incidents and concerns.

Duties and Responsibilities

Volunteers also assist in other situations, such as traffic accidents. “We can handle traffic control, allowing officers to respond to other calls while we manage the scene until a tow truck arrives,” Kupsky explained.

Each volunteer is required to patrol for at least six hours a month, working in teams of two during two- to three-hour shifts. In addition to patrols, they attend meetings, complete paperwork, and maintain the patrol vehicles.

Eligibility and Training

The Buckeye Police Department welcomes any Buckeye resident to apply, regardless of law enforcement experience. To qualify, applicants must pass a background check, drug test, driving test, and fingerprinting. Once accepted, volunteers receive uniforms, training on radio communication, and on-the-job experience with seasoned Citizens on Patrol members.

A Rewarding Role

Kupsky encourages more residents to join, describing the role as both rewarding and appreciated by the community. “The more you give, the more you get. People are glad to see us out there, and they know we care about keeping them safe,” he said.

For more information, residents interested in volunteering can contact Police Program Coordinator Don McWilliams at [email protected], call 623-349-6459, or visit the website.