Citizens on Patrol

The Santa Fe Police Department and the Santa Fe Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association have created and established a Citizen on Patrol Program in an effort not only to enhance the relationship between our police officers and citizens but to build an alliance of crime prevention and deterrence.

Citizens on Patrol provides assistance to the Santa Fe Police Department by taking an active role in their community.  Additional eyes and ears aid our agency with visibility, observation, and reporting.  Increased cooperation between the citizens and the police officers has proven to be invaluable.  Giving our officers and citizens an opportunity to work together has built lasting relationships and proven to be an effective program for the community.

CPA members while on patrol are STRICTLY PROHIBITED FROM CARRYING ANY TYPE WEAPON OR CONDUCTING ANY LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES.  While on patrol, members who hold a concealed handgun license are prohibited from carrying their weapon.

The purpose of the COP is to observe and report suspicious circumstances and when requested to assist the Police Department with non-law enforcement activities.  A good example is the train derailment that took place at Hwy. 6 and FM 646 S, CPA and COP members provided refreshments to emergency workers and aided in traffic direction.  The CPA and COP were also utilized to distribute food and water in the days following Hurricane Ike.

The COP vehicle is equipped with a police radio and overhead lights.  The vehicle has no siren and is not authorized to operate as an emergency vehicle.  The lighting system is solely for the purpose of aiding with traffic control.  Except for special assignments, two COP members are required to operate the vehicle.  An example of a special assignment is the use of the COP to aide with before and after school traffic, ensuring the safety of our younger students.

This class is offered free of charge to our Santa Fe residents who are eighteen (18) years of age or older and have passed a criminal background investigation. 

For upcoming dates or questions about the citizens police academy, please contact the police department at (409) 925-2000, or email Captain R. Shores at rshores@santafetx.gov