POLICE Department
Help Us, Help You Join HPD's Citizen Patrol!
September 10, 2015 - The Houston Police Department wants to remind citizens, you too can help reduce crime in your community by joining the HPD Citizen Patrol program.
HPD fights crime in neighborhoods and communities throughout Houston, but can't do it alone. Through the Volunteer Initiatives Program (VIP), HPD uses volunteers to enhance the delivery of police services to Houston-area neighborhoods. The Citizen Patrol program was established to bring the citizens of Houston and HPD together for a common goal; to improve the quality of life by eliminating crime. It is designed to provide a way for Houstonians to organize into patrol groups and be additional eyes and ears the police can count on to make Houston a safe place to live and work.
Citizen Patrol groups must meet the the following qualifications:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Designate a lead coordinator
- At least 8 persons participate in the program (Less than 8 requires approval from the Citizen Patrol Division Liason)
- Commitment to patrol minimum of 30 hours per month
- Submit a monthly report detailing group's activity
- Submit a marked map outlining the area to be patrolled
HPD Community Services Officer J. Abad discusses the benefits of participating in the HPD VIP program and how Citizen Patrol can help your neighborhood on the HPD YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/V-BwGuNuqXY
To become an HPD volunteer, visit https://www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/home or call the HPD Public Affairs Office at 713-308-3200. A Citizen Patrol application is available for download at https://www.houstontx.gov/police/vip/images/vip_app.pdf or can be picked up at the HPD Edward A. Thomas Building, 1200 Travis, 21st floor or any one of the patrol stations.
HPD's "Help Us, Help You" campaign is aimed at sharing information and educating citizens on crime prevention and everyday tips related to public safety in our city.
VHS/JFC 9-10-15
