ICOP - Irving Citizens on Patrol Embark on a New Program  View Video

Members of Irving Citizens on Patrol (ICOP) have started to conduct high visibility patrols using three decommissioned, marked squad cars in an effort to help reduce crime.

The cars look similar to Irving police cars with the following exceptions: badge decals have been removed, the word "Police" has been replaced with "Citizens on Patrol", and the light bar colors were changed from blue and red to amber. Sirens were also removed from the cars.

ICOP members conduct patrols in neighborhoods, apartment complexes, shopping centers, fitness facility parking lots and city parks--any area that experiences crime. In addition to keeping area parking lots safe, ICOP members also write tickets for those illegally parked in handicapped spaces, help search for missing persons, monitor areas known for speeding and assist with traffic incidents.

"We are not police officers but serve as an extra pair of eyes and ears for the Irving Police Department," said Gordon Gremillion, ICOP member. "If we see a suspicious situtation that could potentially be dangerous, we call police dispatch so they can send a police officer to the incident."

Seven ICOP team leaders completed an eight-hour defensive driving course and vehicle familiarization training. The remaining 34 members may ride as passengers with the team leaders.

The presence of ICOPs has positively impacted the Irving community. During the past year, they saved the Police Department almost $50,000 through volunteer hours and more than $76,000 in mileage.

Gremillion said, "We really enjoy doing stake-outs and surveillance. We'll have four to five volunteer members set up in their own cars until the early morning hours in areas where car break-ins are high. If any suspicious activity occurs, we call dispatch on our radio and a police squad car will be sent."

Residents interested in becoming an ICOP volunteer must be recent graduates of the Irving Citizens’ Police Academy. The hiring process includes, but is not limited to, a complete background investigation with a nationwide criminal history and finger print check. Accepted applicants must then complete 12 hours of additional training.

For more information on the ICOP program visit www.irvingpd.com or contact the ICOP coordinator at (972) 721-3557.