Volunteer citizens just like you patrolling assigned areas of Leesburg and acting as liaisons in the community. While on patrol in marked LPD C.O.P (Citizens on Patrol) vehicles they look for situations like: Crimes in progress; suspicious persons or activity; abandoned/disabled vehicles; and Traffic obstructions/hazards. COP members who discover any of the above scenarios shall notify the Communications Center of the location and nature of the activity, so that a Police Officer may be dispatched to the location. C.O.P. members may also be asked to assist Leesburg Police personnel with other tasks such as special events planning, educational programs, and other community service tasks.

Each potential member of the C.O.P. Program must pass a background investigation, psychological test and drug screening. Each potential member must also complete the Leesburg Police Department Citizen Academy which is held one night a week for 10 weeks.

They must also complete a 40-hour Citizens on Patrol training course which includes: CPR training, patrol training, a driving course and a ride-along with a Police Officer. Each potential member must also have certain physical capabilities which include, but are not limited to: driving a motor vehicle, sitting, standing, walking, reading, hearing, and communicating both orally and in writing.

Those wishing to participate in the Leesburg Police Departments Citizens on Patrol Program should fill out and return a completed Leesburg Police Support Staff Application with a medical release form. Applications are available at the Leesburg Police Dept.

If you would like more information about the program, please contact Community Services Division at 352-728-9859 or e-mail Mitchell Anderson.