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• Citizens on Patrol Services (COPS)

The Citizens on Patrol Services ("COPS") program was formed in 1994 by resolution of the City Council to serve as the “eyes and ears” for the Sheriff’s Department.   While the program has evolved over the years, the mission remains unchanged, the following are a list of some of the duties associated with being a COPS Member:

• Patrolling the streets of Rancho Mirage.
• Observing and reporting suspicious activity.
• Providing traffic control at traffic accidents and DUI checkpoints.
• Assisting stranded motorists with emergency lighting, water, and a phone call.
• Patrolling public and private communities within Rancho Mirage.

• Reporting nuisances to Code Compliance, such as a graffiti and illegal dumping.
• Monitoring seasonal resident homes.
• Staffing at City Events, such as the Writer's Festival.
• Attending community outreach events, such as the National Night Out and Coffee with a Cop.
• Some Members promote within the organization to serve in special roles and are given special responsibilities to help COPS operate successfully.
• and more!

Application Process

1. No Commitment Discovery Process Consisting of:
   1. Contacting a volunteer using the form below.
   2. Attending a general meeting.
   3. Participating in a ride-along with a COPS volunteer.
   4. Participating in a ride-along with the Sheriff's Department.
2. Upon completion of the Discovery Process above, you will discuss the program with your assigned volunteer to determine if you wish to proceed with the application process. If so, you will be given a copy of a volunteer application.
3. Interview with Captain and Staff Liaison.
4. Pass a criminal history background check (Live Scan).
5. Upon completion of the background check, you will become a Trainee and begin the field training program.
6. Upon successful completion of the field training program, you will be appointed a full volunteer member of the COPS program.

Volunteer Interest Flyer
Download a copy of the volunteer interest flyer.

Private Community Request for Patrol Form
Private communities within Rancho Mirage who are governed by a homeowners association can request and authorize patrols of their community.
Download Private Community Patrol Request Form

Officers

• Al Carpenter – Captain  copscaptain@ranchomirageca.gov
• Bill Sachs – Adjutant (Lt.)
• Rich Ronzello – Equipment (Lt.)
• Beth Schneider – Administration (Lt.)
• Maria Silva - Quartermaster (Lt.)

Staff Liaison
Brian Kephart, Emergency Manager
briank@ranchomirageca.gov

Interested in learning more about the program? Please complete the form below and someone should contact you within 3 business days.

Edit Form

COPS Interest Form

First and Last Name*

Valid Email Address*

Valid Phone Number*

Subject*

Inquiry Only

Discovery Process

Do you have any specific questions?

Meeting Schedule
Regular meetings are scheduled on the fourth Thursday of each month at 8:30 AM, unless canceled or rescheduled due to a holiday closure. Meetings take place at the Rancho Mirage Corporate Yard located in Thousand Palms:

72-201 Manufacturing Road
Thousand Palms, California 92276

For any questions regarding upcoming meeting times please contact the Staff Liaison.