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Citizens Patrol
Founded September 1, 1991, with Don Blaise as operations director. The patrol has a proven record of reducing crime in our neighborhood and for its continued success additional patrollers are always welcome. Patrollers are certified by the Houston Police Department and positions are also available as Base Operators who stay in concact with patrollers on duty.
Curious about our Citizen's Patrol Program? Two of our Citizens Patrol Volunteers share their experience:
What is the Citizens Patrol Program?
A citizen patrol drives their vehicle and observes the surroundings, particularly doors, windows, gates of houses/garages/vehicles, and reports to the HPD phone number/dispatcher all situations that look strange or not ok. We ONLY observe and report. If we see a house on fire, we call 911. If we see criminals in the act, we call the HPD number and the Constable number to report (the Constables and HPD coordinate efforts). We make eye contact with every driver, biker, child and adult pedestrian, and smile and wave. The HPD says that this lets everyone know we have seen them.
Why did you join the Citizens Patrol Program?
I felt this is a way to participate in our general welfare and to get to know the neighborhood. It has side benefits of getting to see our lovely homes, our creative landscaping, our many kids and dogs, and to wave a welcome to our many new residents, while we drive slowly and calmly around. And we do earn hours which earn gift cards for every 16 hours we drive. This helps with our gas expense.
What is the biggest misconception about Citizen's Patrol?
I think the biggest misconception people have about CP volunteers is that they are no longer needed. HPD says we are still needed, and HPD conducts certification training sessions so we understand how to patrol safely, not exposing ourselves to any problems, and not causing any problems.
Why is the Citizens Patrol Program important?
Citizens Patrol is important because it not only is a way to head off crime, but is a way to be connected to our neighbors, to participate, to be useful, and to be a part of the continued growth and health of our neighborhood.
How do I join the Citizens Patrol Program?
It is easy to join the Citizens Patrol Program. After a background check, you attend a training class conducted by a police officer in the evening, sometimes at a location here in SPP, sometimes at a nearby HPD station, and you will be issued an operation handbook. Next, you will be issued a certificate and magnetic signs for your vehicles, you begin patrolling (observing and reporting) and turn in a monthly sheet recording your patrol hours.