The Roanoke Rapids Police Department has developed an innovative volunteer program to include community member in crime reduction and community improvement. An extension of the department’s Community Watch Program and Citizens Police Academy, Citizens on Patrol is a trained group of volunteer citizens organized to increase safety in our community by patrolling streets to provide a presence and report incidents and problems.
The main purpose of the program is to provide a visible presence on the streets as a deterrent to criminal activity
through the assistance of citizen volunteers. Keeping with the philosophies of community watch concept this program will
supplement the department regular patrol activities in high-crime neighborhoods, parks, and business districts.
Participants are trained to “observe and report” only notifying police of suspicious or criminal activity.
Citizens on Patrol volunteers do not carry weapons or have powers of arrest. They wear a uniform and drive a vehicle issued by the Roanoke Rapids Police Department so they are easily recognized.
Anyone interested in becoming a Citizens on Patrol volunteer must:
Contact Administrative Officer Andy Jackson at (252) 533-2810 or ajackson@roanokerapidsnc.com for more information about the program.
