Westfield Police Department launches Citizens on Patrol program

Submitted by City of Westfield

The Westfield Police Department (WPD) has launched its new Citizens on Patrol (COP) program, a community-focused initiative designed to strengthen public safety through resident engagement, visibility, and proactive crime prevention.

The COP program empowers trained civilian volunteers to serve as additional eyes and ears throughout the community. Volunteers patrol trails, parks, public spaces, and community events, helping identify suspicious activity, report safety concerns, and provide a visible presence that supports crime prevention efforts.

The program creates meaningful opportunities for residents to partner with law enforcement while fostering trust, communication, and transparency between the police department and the community. By assisting with routine patrols and non-enforcement responsibilities, COP members help sworn officers focus on more complex law enforcement duties.

“Public safety is strongest when it is a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the community we serve,” Westfield Police Chief Shawn Keen. “Our Citizens on Patrol volunteers are dedicated residents who have stepped forward to support Westfield in a meaningful way. Their visibility throughout our parks, trails, and community events will help us strengthen neighborhood connections, identify concerns more quickly, and continue building the trust that is essential to effective policing.”

COP members are trained volunteers who are not sworn law enforcement officers. They do not conduct enforcement activities, make arrests, or carry weapons. Instead, they serve as observers and ambassadors, reporting concerns and assisting with community engagement efforts.

To be eligible for the program, participants must first complete the Westfield Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy. The academy is offered annually each fall, with applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

The inaugural COP members are:

• Gary Scher
• Kerri Mills
• Scott Pyle
• Michelle Bruce
• Seth Elliott

Program members have completed initial training that includes CPR, AED, de-escalation techniques, and police radio operations using the WPD dispatch channel.

Residents may see COP members walking trails, monitoring parks, assisting at community events, supporting pedestrian safety efforts during special events such as the July 4 Freedom Parade, and helping identify safety concerns throughout the city. Patrols are conducted on foot and by golf cart, with volunteers working alongside department personnel and maintaining communication with on-duty supervisors.

The COP program reflects WPD’s ongoing commitment to community policing and collaborative public safety initiatives that connect residents and law enforcement.

Residents interested in learning more about the Citizens Police Academy and future volunteer opportunities are encouraged to visit westfieldin.gov/police.

Applications and additional information can be found at westfieldin.gov/citizensacademy.