C.O.P.S. Area Program

The Marietta Police Department did an evaluation of the existing Neighborhood Watch program and found it to be an ineffective tool in the prevention of crime in our communities. After networking with other Metro-Atlanta law enforcement agencies, we were able to come up with a program that is unique in the state of Georgia and proven in two counties, Gwinnett and Forsyth, to be an effective crime prevention program. This program is called the C.O.P.S. Area Program.

Overview

The goal of the C.O.P.S. Area Program (Community Outreach Police Services) is to enhance the quality of community life in the City of Marietta by establishing an active partnership between residents and police. Active involvement by citizens in the watching, caring and protection of their neighborhoods serves to deter and to reduce crime; thereby, increasing the safety of the lives and property of its residents.

The C.O.P.S. Area Program is a CRIME PREVENTION program that:

  • Teaches citizens techniques to reduce the risk of being victimized at home and in public.
  • Trains citizens on the importance of recognizing suspicious activities and how to report them.
  • Allows neighbors to get to know one another and their routines, so that any out-of-place activity can be reported and investigated.
  • Creates cohesive bodies of concerned citizens to address issues that are of import to the entire community.

The C.O.P.S. Area Program is NOT:

  • A vigilante force.
  • A program designed for participants to take personal risks to prevent or intervene in crime.
  • A program open to only members of Homeowner's Associations.
  • A 100% guarantee that crime will not occur in your neighborhood.

Requirements

The C.O.P.S. area program has strict requirements that must be adhered to in order for the program to be effective. The following is a list of requirements. These requirements, ideally, should be met within one year's time:

  1. Introductory Meeting-Seventy-five (75%) percent of all homes must be represented
  2. Liaison/Block Captain Meeting
  3. Lock and Alarm-Principals of home security
  4. Personal Safety-How not to be a victim
  5. Liaison/Block Captain Meeting
  6. Master Community Awards Ceremony

If anyone living in the Marietta city limits is interested in starting a C.O.P.S. Area Program in their community, they should contact the Marietta Police Department at (770) 794-5310.