By: Sharon Aron Baron
In April, the City of Tamarac presented Citizen Observer Patrol volunteers with a proclamation requested by BSO Chief Neal Glassman. The COP program in Tamarac currently has approximately 570 registered members and is overseen by Deputies Brad Miller and Carl Fitzgerald.
About the COP Program
BSO’s Citizen Observer Patrol, or COP Program, is a volunteer group sponsored by the Sheriff’s Office that uses a simple approach to safeguarding neighborhoods through residents’ involvement.
COP volunteers are local residents who help BSO fight crime by patrolling their community in a BSO provided vehicle, looking out for suspicious activity or potential hazards and offering assistance to local residents. Typical assignments in addition to patrol activities include performing checks on unoccupied residences (at the owner’s request), checking on elderly or homebound residents (as requested) and reporting potential problems and neighborhood hazards to BSO.
COP volunteers wear uniforms and drive specially marked vehicles, adding to the crime-fighting presence in the community. There are currently 11 COP posts throughout the City of Tamarac.
Parks Patrol
The City of Tamarac has 10 parks and occupies over 153 acres of land. The safety and security of residents using these parks is of utmost importance to both the city and BSO, that is why the Parks Patrol was instituted.
Volunteers will be chosen for a new and exciting CO.P function, the Tamarac Parks Patrol. In addition to the standard COP training program, these volunteers will receive specialized training in crime prevention for city parks. Not only do they patrol in the vehicle, but they are out in the parks meeting with residents and spreading the word about crime prevention. The group hands out safety brochures and crime prevention materials, as well as answers questions pertaining to rules and regulations of Tamarac City Parks.
Tamarac district command, as well as the City of Tamarac, have received many calls and comments complimenting their professionalism and positive demeanor.
The COP program in Tamarac currently has approximately 570 registered members. Anyone wishing to join the BSO-Tamarac COP should contact Deputy Brad Miller or Deputy Carl Fitzgerald (954) 720-2239 to find out when the next training will be scheduled.