The Operations Division is responsible for some of our most visible programs. V-COP road patrols start here. These volunteers work in our neighborhoods in specially marked vehicles, and on bicycles. Armed with map books and police radios, they are trained to be the Department's eyes and ears. V-COPs always work with a partner.
Patrols work seven days a week, and each shift is four hours long.
V-COP vehicles are maintained by volunteers, with one special volunteer handling the more detailed maintenance. He even makes sure the Police Department's pool vehicles and jail van are always in top shape. This Division houses some of the more unique volunteer services. During times of emergency, whether it is a Police SWAT call out, Hostage Negotiation Team call out, extensive crime scene investigation or Fire Department deployment, the Volunteer Emergency Response Team is activated. This is done by color-coded dots on a Mylar overlay on two large city maps.