The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office established the volunteer program in 1989. The program has grown to over 1,900 citizens serving as the “eyes and ears” throughout unincorporated Palm Beach County. Volunteers also serve in many administrative departments across the agency, from vehicle maintenance to the crime lab, to assisting detectives. We hope you will consider being a part of our award-winning organization where you can utilize your own life skills and learn some new ones while feeling the pride of being a part of the “PBSO” family. Volunteering not only fosters a great feeling of accomplishment but helps your community become a safer place.
For more information on volunteer opportunities or the Citizen Observer Patrol (C.O.P.), call to make an appointment at (561) 688-3980. We are open Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. We are closed on federal holidays. You may also email us at Volunteer@PBSO.org.
The Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) is a volunteer unit of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office. The program is comprised of over 80 individual COP units from neighborhoods much like your own.
- Volunteers wear distinctive uniforms and drive specially marked vehicles
- Each COP vehicle is equipped with a volunteer radio.
Volunteer Emergency Response Team (VERT)
- 24/7 Call-out commitment
- Travel county wide
- Able to stand in all weather conditions for hours
- Direct traffic on roadways
- Attend monthly meetings and training
- Must be flexible with days and hours
Bike Patrol
- Must already be able to ride a 2 wheel bicycle
- Ride bike with cell phone
Parking Enforcement Specialist (PES)
- Attend a state certified 2 day course
- 12 hour PES field training
- Capable of attending traffic court
Honor Guard
- Attend specialty functions
- Attend last minute requests
- Attend training and additional meetings
Special Events
- Enjoys communicating with people
- Available for weekend events
- Work with PBSO deputies
Crime Prevention Unit
- Established to assist crime prevention deputies with various programs such as: Business Partnership Program, Identity Theft and other activities
Rovers
- Patrol throughout the unincorporated areas of the county
- Assist motorist in distress
- Assist with traffic crashes
- Conduct directed patrols in identified crime areas
Traffic Monitoring
- Monitor speeds on roadways throughout the county
- Trained on the use of radar
- Attend monthly unit meetings
- Report excessive speed zones for future traffic enforcement
Marine Unit
- Must complete a written Florida Boating Safety Course within 6 months of interview
- Must have previous boating experience.
- Must be able to swim and tread water for 5 min.
- Must be prepared to stay longer than required 3-hour tour.
- Must successfully complete crew member tasks within 6 months of interview
- Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and get in and out of boat without assistance.
Dispatchers
- Dispatch from your home
- All equipment is provided
- Work one three hour shift per week between 0700 – 2200
Mounted Unit
- Must have your own horse
- Patrol unincorporated areas on horseback
- Must be able to patrol on horseback minimum of 3 hours a week
- Must be willing to participate in special events
- You and your horse must attend basic training
Airport Unit
- Patrol terminals, both in and out of uniform
Administrative Volunteers
- Placed throughout the agency in almost every department to assist with clerical and specialized duties.
Media Unit
- Writing and computer skills
- Photography skills
