The Volunteer Forces program began 34 years ago, in January 1991. At that time, approximately 1,800 volunteers were independently managed by patrol stations, without department-wide policies to guide them.
Recognizing the need for consistency, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department standardized the program, creating the Citizens on Patrol (COP) Program. COP quickly became one of the most effective volunteer initiatives in the Department’s history, saving hundreds of millions of dollars and preventing countless property losses. This remarkable impact is a testament to the program’s success and the potential for further achievements with the continued support of our community members.
The Volunteer Forces Division also evaluated the “Patrol Reserve” group, which comprised three types of volunteer units: patrol volunteers, search and rescue and the mounted posse teams. Standardized training practices were established for each group, including cross-training with other local and national emergency operations agencies.
Currently, the Volunteer Forces Division operates under the Emergency Operations Division. Over the years, the COP program has grown to include 347 members, supported by 1,340 Search and Rescue members, Explorers and Reserves. Each patrol station now has its own COP unit and several specialized divisions, such as the Special Enforcement Detail (SED), Scientific Investigations Division (SID), Coroner’s Division, Court Services Division, Range Division and Emergency Operations. The Volunteer Forces Division has also expanded to include Chaplain Corps and Aero Squadron volunteers.
Sheriff’s Service Specialist Sylvia Beasley, from Central Station, has worked with the COP program for the past 22 years and considers these volunteers invaluable assets to the Department. “Our volunteers help us with many community events like National Night Out, assist with Neighborhood Watch programs, help with traffic control, read books to kids and work the Sheriff’s Rodeo – all to give back to the community while allowing our sworn staff to focus on their primary duties,” Beasley said.
Anyone who is passionate about volunteering and supporting their local law enforcement is encouraged to consider becoming a Citizen on Patrol or joining any of the other volunteer programs. For more information and an application, visit https://wp.sbcounty.gov/sheriff/divisions/volunteer-forces/citizens-on-patrol (bit.ly/3C3mYm9).
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