The first step in organizing citizens patrols is finding and training volunteers. The local police department usually plays a large role in teaching volunteers how to identify and handle possible criminal situations and how to best communicate information. Also, background checks on all volunteers are conducted. Some use two-way radios. Citizens patrols are predominantly carried out in vehicles, although some are on foot and a few even use bicycles.
Volunteers often wear T-shirts or caps identifying themselves.
Citizens patrols are employed during hours and in neighborhoods most likely to experience criminal activity. In Omaha, a typical citizens patrol member is on the street from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. on a weekend night. In Grand Island, members of the Third City Radio Association may be on the streets even longer. Depending on the number of active volunteers, citizens might be asked to patrol one night a month or less often. In Grand Island, radio association patrols usually serve more frequently.