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Citizens on Patrol

Palm Desert’s Citizens on Patrol (COPS) are trained volunteers who serve as the eyes and ears of the City and Palm Desert Police Department. Volunteers patrol neighborhoods, assist with traffic control at events, support safety programs, and conduct vacation home checks for residents in non-gated areas.

Make a Difference, Become a COPS Volunteer!

If you’re 18+ with a valid driver’s license and can commit 20 hours a month, you can apply. Training, uniforms, and equipment are provided. Volunteers complete CPR/First Aid, driver’s education, traffic control training, and the Palm Springs Citizens Police Academy.

Call (760) 862-9848 for information on COP services or joining the team.

Vacation Home Check Program

The City of Palm Desert, in cooperation with the Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol (COPS), has initiated the Vacation Home Check Program designed to give residents peace of mind while away from home. Through this Program, which is offered year round, COPS members will patrol and check participants' residences while they are away for an extended period of time. COPS members will check for obvious problems such as broken windows, evidence of intrusion, and/or vandalism to the exterior of the property only. Any issues found will be immediately reported to the Palm Desert Police Department for further investigation.

To request an application, please contact the Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol (COPS) Dispatch Line at (760) 862-9848. Applications are also available at the Portola Community Center located at 45-480 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert, CA 92260.

In order to participate in the Program, residents must meet the following criteria:

Must be on vacation for two weeks or more
Must reside in a single-family home (no gated communities or apartments)
Must leave access for members to check full premises* (will not check front yard only)
Not available for residents with dogs on premises

When completing the application, residents must include the following:

Participant's contact information while they are away
Contact information for any persons permitted on the property during the participant's absence (e.g., gardener, pool cleaner, neighbor, etc.)
Any vehicles that will be left on the premises while the participant is away.

*In order for COPS members to check full premises, participants must provide a key for any locked gates (a copy-not original) which will be placed in a lock box on property by a COPS member. Please note that there are a limited number of lock boxes available.

Completed applications must be submitted by the applicant in person at the Portola Community Center. Hours vary so please call in advance to make sure someone is available to take your application. Upon submittal, applicants will be required to provide the following proof of residency:

Drivers License or State Identification Card with name and Palm Desert address that matches that on the application; or
Drivers License or State Identification Card with name that matches that on the application; and
Property tax bill, mortgage bill, utility bill, or lease/rental agreement with name and Palm
Desert address that matches that on the application

Please note that COPS members will begin conducting home checks for approved applicants after a two week processing period. For further information, please contact the Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol Dispatch Line at (760) 862-9848.

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