Volunteer Observation Patrol

Volunteer Observation Patrol (V.O.P.) is a trained group of citizens organized to increase the safety of their community. They patrol the community in their personal vehicles and on foot to provide a presence and report any suspicious activity, incidents or problems that my occur They are non-confrontational and coordinate directly with the Farmington Police Department.

Each member understand their role as a volunteer observer. They have no authority to intervene in any situations beyond that of a private citizen.

PURPOSE OF V.O.P.
The main purpose of V.O.P. is to provide a visible presence on the streets as a deterrent to criminal activity. With citizens on the streets actively watching, a clear message is sent to the criminal element that crime will not be tolerated. Thieves, vandals, drug dealers and prostitutes don't wish to be observed so the presence of law-abiding citizens alone can reduce crime

Another purpose of the V.O.P. is to report suspicious activities as well as health and safety conditions. Emergency agencies rely heavily on citizens to report incidents of crime and safety conditions. Emergency agencies rely heavily on citizens to report incidents of crime and safety issues in order to effectively provide the appropriate service. When accurate and timely information is available, emergency agencies can be dispatched without delay to better serve the community.

Beyond these reasons, V.O.P. provides an opportunity for citizens to participate in activities that improve their neighborhoods and thereby enhance the quality of life in the City of Farmington

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN V.O.P.?
Any law abiding citizen that is as least 21 years of age can become a member of V.O.P. If you are interested or have any questions contact Sergeant Pat Cordell at (505) 599-1033 or email him at pcordell@fmtn.org.

WHEN IS THE COMMUNITY PATROLLED?
The community can be patrolled all hours of the day or night, 7 days a week. A patrol can operate anytime when volunteers are available.

WHAT EXACTLY DO THEY PATROL?
V.O.P. operates in residential neighborhoods, parks and business districts. They patrol on public streets, roadways, sidewalks, public accesses and main thoroughfares. They are encouraged to patrol in teams of two and in areas of the city where they are familiar. Logs are maintained of daily activity and areas patrolled.

V.O.P. Members Should:

  • Be visible. It is a deterrent
  • Remain calm and retreat if threatened.
  • Wear V.O.P identifiers when patrolling.
  • Carry a pen and V.O.P. log forms.
  • Have a flashlight if patrolling at night.
  • Call 911 only for serious crimes in progress or for serious medical emergencies.
  • Log all calls and activities while patrolling.
  • Establish a working relationship with Police

V.O.P. Members Should Not:

  • Engage in any physical or verbal confrontations.
  • Interfere in any unknown situation.
  • Attempt to detain or arrest anyone.
  • Carry any weapons while on patrol.
  • Consume alcoholic beverages prior to or during patrol.
  • Engage in a situation that may place yourself or others at risk of injury.
  • Patrol on private property without proper authorization.