Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol recruits volunteers

Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol (COPS) is now recruiting volunteers to serve as the eyes and ears of the city and its police department, according to a release from city spokesman David Hermann.

COPS members provide crowd and traffic control at city-sponsored events such as Fashion Week El Paseo, the annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, and the city’s Independence Day celebration. The volunteers also patrol city streets in marked vehicles and assist officers at accident scenes and check points.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, uniforms, equipment and training are all provided.

COPS members go through a 13-week Citizen’s Police Academy which includes CPR certification, defensive driving and traffic control and safety, Hermann said in a release.

Volunteers must pass a background check and be willing to dedicate a minimum of 20 hours per month to the program.

Hermann said being a COPS volunteer means helping others and keeping Palm Desert safe.

For more information on how you can join Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol, call 760-862-9848.