Citizen's Observer Patrol
C.O.P. Newsletter
The Citizen’s Observer Patrol (C.O.P) Program consists entirely of volunteers who generously provide essential services to our community. The C.O.P. Program has been in existence nationally for over twenty years and was initiated in Flagler County in 1995 by Sheriff Robert E. McCarthy.
Sheriff Fleming emphasizes the importance of continuing this valuable program which is fundamental in saving countless taxpayer dollars and can only exist through the continued support of our volunteer staff. During 2009, C.O.P. volunteers logged 35,700 hours of service to the citizens of Flagler County. Their contributions and dedicated service saved the community approximately $700,000 last year.
C.O.P. volunteers currently man the Robert E. McCarthy Substation, dedicated in October 2008, and the Hammock Substation located on Mala Compra Road which serves the Hammock community. Our volunteers save Flagler County taxpayers the cost of more than fifteen full-time employees.
Captain Mark Carman is assigned to the Robert E. McCarthy Substation in Palm Coast and has oversight of all volunteer staff. Captain Carman serves as liaison to the City of Palm Coast and also supervises the Traffic Unit. Tony Garofalo serves as Director of the C.O.P. Division and is assisted by a command staff to include Major Sonia Byrne, Captain Ted Cavooris, Captain Don Hebert and Captain Marcelo Estrella and Lt. Louis Plank..
The C.O.P. ERT (Emergency Response Team) is trained to assist at accidents and they are on-call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. Traffic accident investigators are trained to respond and assist at non-injury vehicle crashes.
Other services they provide to the public at no cost are notary, vehicle (VIN) verification, funeral escorts and traffic control during local events. The Star Program is administered solely by C.O.P. volunteers and provides a home security inspection available to local residents. They also provide support to staff at the courthouse and inmate facility.
Fee Schedule for Fingerprinting & Background Checks:
| Electronic Fingerprinting |
$5.00 |
| Ink Printing |
$7.00 |
| Background Check |
$5.00 |
CASH ONLY |
Anyone wishing to participate in this program is required to complete an application which includes questions concerning contact information, basic background information and previous volunteer experience. A background check is required to be completed on all applicants.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you may contact the McCarthy Substation at 386/586-2621, or download an application at the following link – Application Package
FCSO Citizen's Observer Patrol December 2009 |
Duty |
# |
YTD |
| Total Hours |
3,256 |
35,619 |
| Jail * |
(48)* |
(955)* |
| Courthouse* |
(126)* |
(2,130)* |
| Special Details |
10 |
178 |
| VIN Verifications |
10 |
147 |
| Crash Investigations |
7 |
117 |
| Miles Driven |
11,696 |
117,188 |
| Fingerprinting |
42 |
1,513 |
| Notary Services |
12 |
166 |
| Dollars Saved |
$61,864 |
$694,571** |
*Jail and Courthouse hours are included in the total hours worked.
**This rate is figured at $10.00/hour rate.
In 2007, our volunteers were significantly "under paid" with the dollar value being $10.00/hour.
Effective January 2008, the dollar value changed to reflect the national average of $18.77/hour.
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.