BUCKEYE, AZ ( September 19, 2024): Buckeye police are actively recruiting residents who want to play a critical role in keeping the city safe. The department is looking to fill roles within the Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.) program which involves volunteers who drive marked vehicles in an assigned area to look out for suspicious activity.

“You drive around and wave at people, and you’re also making a difference in that there’s only so many eyes and ears in the community,” says Dan Kupsky, captain of the Verrado C.O.P. program.

C.O.P. volunteers serve three major areas of Buckeye: Buckeye town proper, Verrado/Victory and Festival/North Buckeye. Volunteers are assigned to patrol the area where they reside. While the volunteers are not armed and do not have law enforcement authority, their primary objectives are to report suspicious activity and maintain a presence on behalf of the department to prevent and deter crime.

“You’re helping keep an eye on your community and know what’s going on,” says Kupsky. “We also get to assist if there’s a traffic accident. We can assist with traffic control and free up a couple officers that can go respond to calls while we’re waiting on a tow truck or directing traffic at a scene.”

Kupsky is a retired police officer who worked with the Redding Police Department in California for nearly 30 years. But candidates do not have to have prior law enforcement experience to become a C.O.P. volunteer.

Eligibility:

• Must be a Buckeye resident.
• Pass a background check
• Complete a drug test
• Be fingerprinted
• Pass a driving test.

Eligible volunteers will be fitted for a uniform, learn how to communicate through police radio and receive training including patrols with experienced C.O.P. volunteers.

C.O.P. duties include:

• Patrol at least six hours a month
• Work in teams of two
• Patrol in shifts of two to three hours
• Call dispatch when beginning and completing a patrol shift
• Attend meetings and required training
• Complete required paperwork at the end of shift
• Maintain volunteer vehicle

The C.O.P. program is just part of the Buckeye Police Department’s robust team of volunteers passionate about serving their community. Kupsky says residents will find the role to be a rewarding and positive experience.

“I think the more you give, the more you get,” says Kupsky. “People love it, they wave at you. They know we are out there and we care and we’re trying to keep them safe.”

If you are interested in becoming a C.O.P. volunteer, contact Police Program Coordinator, Don McWilliams, at dmcwilliams@buckeyeaz.gov or call 623-349-6459.