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History of Cincinnati’s Citizens On Patrol Program |
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The Cincinnati “Citizens on Patrol” Program was proposed by several Cincinnati City Council members in 1997. The program was modeled after one in Fort Worth, Texas. City Council approved the initial use of $35,000.00 in Federal Local Law Enforcement Block Grant money for the implementation of the pilot program. The responsibility for developing the program was assigned to the COP Coordinator. The responsibility for administering and coordinating the neighborhood-based program was assigned to the District Commanders. Citizens on Patrol groups in Fort Worth used their personal vehicles. During the planning process, the Cincinnati City Solicitor issued a written opinion that volunteers should not be permitted to use their personal vehicles while conducting volunteer work for the city. Therefore, Cincinnati Citizens on Patrol Groups would not be authorized to use a vehicle while conducting their patrols. Only walking or fixed patrols will be permitted. However, in 1999, the City Manager lifted the restriction on use of personal vehicles, and Citizens on Patrol programs were allowed to utilize personal vehicles to travel to and from patrol sites. While using personal vehicles to transport volunteers to and from patrol, a magnetic sign is affixed to the volunteer’s personal vehicle clearly identifying him/her and passengers as members of the Cincinnati Citizens on Patrol program. Walking and fixed patrols however, are the only type of patrols that are permitted by the Citizens on Patrol Program. Three target neighborhoods in Cincinnati were chosen for the pilot project: Bond Hill (Still operating), Madisonville (Still operating), and South Fairmount (Disbanded). Council members and police officers attended community meetings in each of the three neighborhoods to explain the project and solicit volunteers. This site is best viewed with screen resolution 1024 by 768 pixels |