Civilian Safety Patrol

We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of our neighborhoods through active, community-driven efforts. Our Civilian Safety Patrol Service operates as a visible, supportive presence in the community, offering assistance and peace of mind to residents across City Line and Ozone Park.

What We Do:

Visible Community Patrolling
Our patrol volunteers maintain a consistent and visible presence. This visibility alone deters crime, reassures residents, and reinforces the idea that the community is being watched over by people who genuinely care. Patrols focus on high traffic corridors, residential blocks, houses of worship, and areas where residents have raised concerns. Even when volunteers are not operating from the COPCP vehicle, they remain alert and engaged, observing conditions, checking on neighbors, and reporting concerns.
Response and Practical Community Assistance
COPCP responds to calls from residents, businesses, schools, and religious institutions when help is needed. Our response often goes beyond observation. Volunteers help de-escalate disputes, guide people through next steps, and provide hands on help when appropriate. This can include assisting someone who is stranded, helping push or pull a stuck vehicle, directing traffic around a hazard, or staying with someone until emergency services arrive. These everyday actions often prevent situations from escalating and provide immediate relief when people feel overwhelmed.
Dedicated Protection for Houses of Worship
We provide regular safety coverage at mosques, churches, temples, and other religious institutions year round. During high attendance periods such as Ramadan, Lent, holidays, and weekly services, our volunteers focus on visibility, perimeter observation, entrance monitoring, and traffic safety. We assist congregants arriving and leaving safely, watch for suspicious behavior, and maintain communication with local precincts so worship can take place without fear or disruption.
Security, Traffic Control, and Safety for Events, Schools, and Businesses
COPCP provides safety support, traffic control, and on site presence for houses of worship, community events, schools, and local businesses. Volunteers assist with pedestrian safety, manage vehicle flow, monitor entrances and surrounding areas, and support organizers before, during, and after events. This includes school functions, religious gatherings, cultural programs, and small business activities where added structure and visibility improve safety.
Search Assistance for Missing Persons and Pets
Our patrol teams assist families during some of the most stressful moments they face. We support searches for missing persons by canvassing neighborhoods, sharing time sensitive information, and coordinating observations with law enforcement. We also respond to calls involving missing or injured pets, often locating them quickly and transporting them for lifesaving veterinary care when needed. These efforts have reunited families with loved ones and prevented needless loss.
Translation and On the Ground Community Support
Language barriers should never prevent someone from getting help. Our patrol volunteers regularly assist with translation during interactions involving law enforcement, emergency responders, or city agencies. This support helps ensure accurate communication, reduces misunderstandings, and gives residents confidence that their concerns are being heard and addressed properly.
Support for Vulnerable Community Members
Patrol work often extends beyond safety alone. Our volunteers assist seniors during winter storms, check in on residents during extreme weather, and provide immediate support to individuals facing domestic violence or other crises. We also help new immigrants and refugees navigate unfamiliar systems by offering translation, referrals, and connections to trusted local resources. These efforts reflect our belief that true public safety includes dignity, care, and follow through.

Why Our Patrols Matter:

Cityline Ozone Park Civilian Patrol (COPCP) was established in 2020 after a series of targeted robbery attacks against residents. Our community needed a voice and protection, and that’s why we stepped in.

We recognized that many in our neighborhood felt unsafe and unsupported, so we began patrolling to offer a visible presence, assistance, and a sense of security. We are not law enforcement, but we fill a crucial role by being there for the community when it matters most.

Our patrols serve as a proactive way to prevent crime, respond to calls for help, and provide security at events and places of worship. We are here to support our neighbors, promote unity, and ensure everyone feels safe and valued in the community.

COPCP matters because we are dedicated to protecting our own. Our presence is a reminder that no one stands alone—we’re here to help and serve our community.

Our Patrol Area:

Get Involved:

Community safety is everyone’s responsibility. At COPCP, we invite you to join us in making a real difference.

Minimum Requirements:

  1. Must be 18 years or older, 21 for drivers.
  2. Must be free of any felony charges or convictions.
  3. Must have a valid driver’s license (for patrol driving eligibility).
  4. Must be able to speak and write English clearly.
  5. Must be a New York City resident.
  6. Must be able to commit at least 12 hours per month.
  7. Must consent to background check and, if applicable, driving record screening.
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