Bartow, FL
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How Can I Become Involved as a Volunteer?
We are only as strong as our relationship with the community! Together we have made great strides reducing crime and improving the quality of life in our community. The next step in that fight is asking you to join our department as an official Bartow Police volunteer.
You will get a behind the scenes look at how officers do their job and you will play an important role in helping us make our city safer.
There are many ways to serve the community. The Bartow Police Department offers a variety of volunteer positions, allowing you to join others who are committed to the community that we live in and the police department that serves them.
By joining the department as a volunteer, you are serving your community and working with our members to maintain the quality of life that we have become accustomed to in the City of Bartow.
Community-minded citizens may apply to volunteer in these capacities:
- Clerical/Office Work
- Assist the Crime Prevention Unit/Community Services Team (CST)
- Citizens on Patrol Program (COP)
- Reserve Officer Unit
Download and complete a Volunteer Application today!
CITIZENS ON PATROL
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The Citizens on Patrol (COP) Program, which began in 2011, consists of a group of citizens, who regularly patrol the City of Bartow in pairs, in a Citizens on Patrol marked Unit. All COP Volunteers must complete an initial 36-hour COP Training Program and security awareness training. Once the training is completed, the COP volunteer is provided with a polo shirt, ball cap, and windbreaker jacket which identifies them as a volunteer. The COP volunteers patrol the city in pairs during daylight hours, monitoring the police radio for emergency situations. COP Volunteers patrol in residential neighborhoods, shopping centers and downtown. This provides the city with a larger presence of law enforcement, while providing community service. The volunteers are trained to recognize and then report suspicious activity. The COP volunteers routinely drive the COP vehicle in parades, citywide events, and other activities. If you are interested in becoming a COP Volunteer, please contact the Community Services Coordinator at (863) 534-5034 for more information.
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David and Delores Lane COP Volunteers since 2012 driving in one of Bartow's many parades. |
RESERVE OFFICER
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Reserve Police Officers assist the Patrol Section when necessary or when extra manpower is needed. They also assist the Community Services Team during special events such as parades and festivals providing additional security. All Reserve Officers must have successfully completed the State's Police Standards Training, and successfully passed the State Officer Certification Examination and qualify with a firearm. Reserve Officers must also continue to keep their police standards up-to-date with continued education requirements. For more information on becoming a part of our Reserve Officer Program, contact Captain Michelle Smith, Patrol Commander at (863) 534-5034 or email at Captain Michelle Smith.
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BARTOW POLICE EXPLORER POST #631
YOUTH VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
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The Explorer Program is designed for young people between the ages of 14-21 who are interested in law enforcement. The Explorer Post 631 is supervised by Bartow Police Officers and receive training in a variety of areas including: Patrol, Traffic Enforcement, Firearms Training, and they participate in Explorer Competitions with other agencies from around the State of Florida. The Explorer Program offers young adults a personal awareness of the criminal justice system through training, practical experiences, competition and other activities. Additionally, the program promotes personal growth through character development, building leadership qualities by working as a team, respect for the rule of law, physical fitness, good citizenship and patriotism. Many of the members eventually choose to enter the law enforcement profession as they mature and continue in the program. For more information on the Explorer Program, go to Bartow Police Explorers, or call the Patrol Commander at (863) 534-5034. |