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Citizens On Proactive PatrolBack

COPP

Citizens On Proactive Patrol (COPP) are volunteer members of the Mount Vernon Police Department. COPP members are Citizen Academy graduates who chose to go through an advanced training course; a field-training period with selected, specially trained veterans of the group; and then commit to two four-hour patrol shifts per month.

Two former police cars, with the light bar and siren removed, have been marked "Citizen Patrol" and are assigned to the COPP Program. These vehicles are equipped with police radios, bicycle racks, and directional light bars in the back window.

COPP members work in pairs and are provided with portable police radios and cellular telephones. They patrol neighborhoods, parks, schools, and businesses, acting as extra eyes, ears, and problem solvers for the Police Department. They focus primarily on quality of life issues and, if they notice anything out of the ordinary, radio a police officer to respond.

In addition to patrolling the City, COPP members post abandoned vehicles for towing; pick up found bicycles; assist officers with traffic control; and provide handicapped parking enforcement and graffiti abatement. They help with special events such as Halloween Downtown, the Mount Vernon High School Homecoming Parade, the City Christmas Parade, Youth Appreciation Day, and Neighborhood Beautification Days.

Some COPP members also volunteer for around the clock callouts. The "No Wait 8" as they're called are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to assist with crime scene security, road closures or missing person searches.

COPP volunteers are community members doing their part to make the City of Mount Vernon a great place to live.

For additional crime prevention resource information click here.

If you have any questions concerning the Citizens on Proactive Patrol program, contact our Public Education Officer Jeff Dowhaniuk at (360)336-6271.




COPP in Action

 
Marie McCutchin and Pat West
working a downtown Halloween program
 
Mike Minor and Peter Urban
assisting with crime scene security
 
Red Buchholz closing a road
during an accident investigation
 

Red Buchholz holding the
Washington State crime
prevention association
"Crime Prevention
Program of the Year"
- awarded to COPP

 
Phil Parr speaking with Sergeant
Greg Booth on the Fourth of July
 

Gene Robbins and Joan Gebhardt
being briefed at the 2004
down town fireworks display

 
Ann Nesmith receiving a letter of
commendation from Chief Barsness
 

Bruce Bullard at our annual
awards ceremony


 
COPP members enjoying the
annual summer barbecue
 

COPP members enjoying
the annual summer barbecue

 

 

Calendar of Events
Little Mountain Trail Work Parties
11/21/2009 - 12/19/2009
November 21, December 5 & 19. Trail building at Little Mountain Park is underway and help is needed! Volunteers interested in helping with trail building can meet on these Saturdays at 10am at Little Mountain Park.
Downtown Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
11/29/2009
5pm in historic downtown Mount Vernon. Santa and the annual tree lighting will immediately follow the parade in Pine Square.
Children's Shopping Extravaganza
12/5/2009
8:30am-2:30pm, Skylight Room at Hillcrest Park. Kids - don’t miss this great shopping opportunity geared just for your budget. All items are priced $5 & under. You will find something for everyone!
Breakfast with Santa
12/5/2009
8am-11:30am, $5 per person (all ages). Visit with Santa & listen to holiday music in Hillcrest Lodge while enjoying a scrumptious breakfast of pancakes and ham. Don't forget to bring your camera for some great photos!
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