The Houston Police Department is committed in using volunteers to enhance the delivery of police service to the citizens of Houston through the department’s Police Volunteer Initiatives Program (VIP). An important component of the Police VIP is the Citizen Patrol program.

The Houston Police Department is concerned about crime in the neighborhoods and communities throughout the city. In response, the Citizen Patrol program was established in an effort to bring the citizens and the police department together for a common goal, and that is to improve the quality of life by eliminating crime. The Citizen Patrol program is designed to provide a means for citizens to organize into patroller groups for the purpose of reducing crime in their community. Citizen Patrollers are the additional eyes and ears the police can count on to make Houston a safe place to live and work.

The goals of the Citizen Patrol program are:

• To provide an effective method of discouraging neighborhood crimes and “decline.”
• To promote a friendly and safer neighborhood environment while respecting the privacy and rights of all citizens.
• To encourage awareness and provide improved communication among neighbors.
• To upgrade the quality of life and property values in the area.

There are many active Citizen Patrol groups throughout the city of Houston. If you would like to be a part of the department’s Citizen Patrol program, you must meet the below listed minimum qualifications and standards for a police volunteer:

• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid Texas Driver License.
• Pass a background check.
• Must be trained by the Houston Police Department.
• Must reside in the area patrolled by the Citizen Patrol group.
• here are many active Citizen Patrol groups throughout the city of Houston.
• Must reside in the area patrolled by the Citizen Patrol group.

Citizen Patrol groups, must meet the below listed qualifications:

• Designate a lead coordinator.
• Recommendation that at least 8 citizens participate in the program. If less than 8 citizens, approval from the Citizen Patrol Division Liaison is required.
• Commitment from the group to patrol a minimum of 30 hours per month.
• Submit a monthly report detailing the group’s activity.
• Submit a marked map outlining the area to be patrolled.

DOWNLOAD A CITIZEN PATROL APPLICATION
THIS IS NOT AN APPLICATION TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER

DOWNLOAD A CITIZEN PATROL BROCHURE

Once you complete the application, you should contact the Citizen Patrol Division Liaison in your area for further instruction.

Call 713 308-3200 if you want a Citizen Patrol application mailed/faxed to you or you can pick an application from any of the listed police stations or at police headquarters:

Houston Police Department
Public Affairs Division - 21st floor
1200 Travis
Houston, Texas 77002

For further information or assistance in starting a Citizen Patrol group in your neighborhood, contact:

Contact:
Officer Johanna Abad
713-308-3200
johanna.abad@cityofhouston.net

Do not use this e-mail for emergencies - Call 911
For non-emergency call 713-884-3131