What Does it Take to be a Grand Junction ‘Citizen on Patrol’?

Would you be interested in working alongside law enforcement to serve the citizens of Mesa County? The next round of Western Colorado's "Citizens On Patrol Academy" begins on October 4.

Do you remember the Police Academy film franchise? Who could forget, right? The fourth installment in the series featured a scenario where the Police Academy crew were placed in charge of a "Citizens on Patrol" program. As you recall, everything worked out in the end. Just think... that could be you.

What exactly do the "Citizens On Patrol" do? According to the Mesa County Sheriff's Office official web page -

Citizens On Patrol or COPs are a partnership between agency volunteers and law enforcement. This vital community resource can use active participants to help with checking vehicles speeds in complaint areas, vacation home checks, road blocks, assisting with crime scenes, and special assignments that are generally community oriented.

What skills do you need in order to participate? The list or requirements are pretty reasonable. You must meet the following:

• Must be 18 or older
• Good driving record
• Clear background check
• Able bodied
• Community minded
• Good speaking skills
• Desire to be helpful and productive
• Flexible schedule

Okay, so I meet three of those requirements, with the possibility of a fourth. How about you? Check out the "job" description above. It sounds as if this program could be both fun and rewarding.

To get started, contact Lt. Laurie Galvan at (970) 244-3201, or via email at Laurie.Galvan@mesacounty.us.