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Citizen Patrol Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Police Officer

Bemidji, MN ยท On-site

$74K - $94K/yr

Peripheral Duties Coordinates and promotes The Volunteers in Police Service to include Police Reserves, Citizen Patrol, Explores, Neighborhood Crime Prevention Programs and Neighborhood Watch ...

Patrol Officer

Oxford, MS ยท On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

The patrol officer shall investigate all citizen complaints and calls of all natures and shall take appropriate police action where deemed necessary. * The patrol officer shall be responsible for ...

Patrol Officer

Oxford, MS ยท On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

The patrol officer shall investigate all citizen complaints and calls of all natures and shall take appropriate police action where deemed necessary. * The patrol officer shall be responsible for ...

Patrol Officer

Pearsall, TX ยท On-site

$23.48 - $28.50/hr

Job title: Patrol OfficerDepartment: Police DepartmentOpen Date: 09/16/2024Closing Date: Until ... to medical and drug testing. citizen.Must be of good moral character and of temperate and ...

Be Seen First

Border Patrol Agent (GL-5) Location: Various U.S. Border Patrol Duty Stations (Relocation May Be ... Be a U.S. citizen * Be at least 18 years of age * Meet the qualifications for the position(s) of ...

Community Service Officer

Yreka, CA ยท On-site

$41K - $52K/yr

When assigned to various community work programs; under general supervision, coordinate and oversee the activities and participants of law enforcement /correctional and Citizen Patrol events/programs.

When assigned to various community work programs; under general supervision, coordinate and oversee the activities and participants of law enforcement /correctional and Citizen Patrol events/programs.

Patrol Deputy

Albert Lea, MN ยท On-site

$36.62 - $49.13/hr

Patrol Deputy duties include: protecting and assisting the public by responding to a variety of ... This position responds to citizen complaints and emergencies and investigation of illegal activity.

Patrol Deputy

Albert Lea, MN ยท On-site

$36.62/hr

Patrol Deputy duties include: protecting and assisting the public by responding to a variety of ... This position responds to citizen complaints and emergencies and investigation of illegal activity.

Activities associated with this classification include the routine patrol of businesses and ... Investigates citizen complaints and responds to calls for service to obtain information, conduct ...

Patrol Officer

Sevierville, TN ยท On-site

$58K - $65K/yr

Conducts routine patrol of commercial property and private neighborhoods to ensure the safety and ... Investigates citizen complaints and responds to calls for service to obtain information, conduct ...

Certified Road Patrol Deputy

Garden City, KS ยท On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

The position includes routine patrol for law enforcement purposes, response to an investigation of ... citizen contact point as needed. * Assist other Sheriff's Office division and outside agencies.

Part-Time Patrol Officer

Oberlin, OH ยท On-site

$25 - $32/hr

S. citizen or applying to be U.S. citizen. Must pass physical examination, drug screen, background ... Ability to operate patrol vehicles in emergency mode. * Ability to get in and out of a patrol car ...

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Citizen Patrol information

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$12

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$37

How much do citizen patrol jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for citizen patrol in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a citizen patrol, and why are they important?

To excel as a Citizen Patrol volunteer, you typically need a good understanding of community safety practices, basic observation skills, and sometimes completion of local law enforcement training programs. Familiarity with communication devices such as radios and basic reporting systems is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, reliability, and a sense of responsibility are crucial soft skills for building trust within the community. These skills ensure effective support for law enforcement, enhance neighborhood safety, and foster positive community relations.

What is the difference between Citizen Patrol vs Security Guard?

AspectCitizen PatrolSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsMay require community training or certificationOften requires security license or certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity patrols, neighborhood watch, public areasCommercial, residential, or industrial sites
Employer & Industry UsageCommunity organizations, local governmentsPrivate security companies, businesses
Common Search & Comparison IntentCommunity safety, neighborhood patrolsProperty protection, access control

Citizen Patrols typically involve community members volunteering or working with local organizations to monitor neighborhoods and promote safety, often with minimal formal credentials. Security Guards are employed by private companies or organizations, requiring specific licenses, and focus on protecting property and enforcing security protocols. While both roles aim to enhance safety, Citizen Patrols are more community-driven, whereas Security Guards are professionally employed for security services.

What are some common challenges faced by citizen patrol volunteers, and how are they supported in the field?

Citizen Patrol volunteers often encounter challenges such as effectively observing and reporting suspicious activities, maintaining good communication with law enforcement, and balancing their patrol duties with personal safety. To address these challenges, volunteers typically receive comprehensive training on situational awareness, radio communication, and conflict avoidance. They also work closely with local police departments, who provide ongoing support, guidance, and regular briefings to ensure volunteers feel confident and well-prepared while on patrol.

What is a citizen patrol?

Citizen Patrol officers are volunteers who assist local law enforcement by observing and reporting suspicious activities within their communities. They do not have the same authority as police officers and do not carry weapons or make arrests. Their main role is to serve as additional eyes and ears for the police, helping to deter crime and promote neighborhood safety. Citizen Patrol programs often include training in observation skills, communication, and emergency procedures.

Do citizen patrols get paid?

Citizen patrols are typically volunteer-based and do not receive payment for their services. Some programs may offer stipends or incentives, but most rely on community volunteers to assist with neighborhood safety and crime prevention. Payment is not a standard component of citizen patrol roles.
More about Citizen Patrol jobs

What cities are hiring for Citizen Patrol jobs?

Cities with the most Citizen Patrol job openings:

What states have the most Citizen Patrol jobs?

States with the most job openings for Citizen Patrol jobs include:

Infographic showing various Citizen Patrol job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $43,217 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Police Officer

City of Bemidji

Bemidji, MN โ€ข On-site

$74K - $94K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

GENERAL PURPOSE Performs police patrol, investigation, traffic regulation, and related law enforcement activities. Supervision Received Works under the general supervision of the Police Sergeant assigned to the shift and under the general guidance of the Captain and the Chief of Police. Supervision Exercised None.

In addition to base wages, eligible Police Officers may receive: Education Incentive: 2% for a qualifying bachelor's degree or 4% for a qualifying master's degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice. Premium & Shift Pay: Additional hourly premium pay, including $1.75 per hour for qualifying evening and overnight hours. Overtime & Special Assignments: Time-and-one-half for qualifying overtime, with additional compensation for on-call, court appearances, Field Training Officer duties, and other qualifying assignments

Senior Officer Pay: $2.50 per hour when serving as the senior officer on duty when no patrol sergeant is on duty. Physical Fitness Incentive: $250 annually for employees who meet the contractual physical fitness standard. Longevity Pay: Additional compensation for qualifying employees who have reached the end of the pay scale and completed at least 10 years of service as a licensed police officer

Holiday Pay: Additional compensation for qualifying holiday work, including premium rates for designated holidays. Additional compensation is subject to the eligibility requirements and provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement and City policies. Compensation is subject to change through future collective bargaining agreements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Patrols by foot, bicycle or vehicle the city streets, parks, commercial and residential areas to preserve the peace and enforce the law, control vehicular traffic, prevent or detect and investigate misconduct involving misdemeanors, felonies and other law violations, and to otherwise serve and protect.

Responds to non-emergency and emergency calls for service involving violations of laws or ordinances, medical emergencies, accidents, civil disputes and general requests for assistance. Proactively works to perform security patrols, parking enforcement, traffic enforcement, interdiction, compliance checks and other criminal investigations. Responds to accidents, fires, natural disasters or other emergencies to assist with rescue, emergency first aid, searches, scene or crowd control and provides traffic control.

Works an assigned shift using independent judgment in deciding the best course of action and is expected to handle difficult and emergency situations without assistance. Maintains normal availability by radio, mobile computer or telephone. Carries out duties in conformance with Federal, State, County, and City laws and codes.

Conducts investigations for all levels of crime committed during assigned shift. Seeks out and questions victim, witnesses and suspects. Develops leads and tips.

Searches scene of crimes for clues. Analyzes, evaluates and collects evidence necessary to solve crimes and arrests offenders. Prepares complete and accurate reports and forms for calls for service and in preparation for giving testimony in court proceedings.

Maintains proficiency and sufficient knowledge base regarding new or updated laws, regulations regarding searches and seizures, city and department policy, and operational procedures. Maintains police officer license by completing necessary continuing education requirements such as firearms qualification, emergency vehicle operation, defensive tactics, first aid, CPR and automated defibrillator use, use of force and other law enforcement related subjects. Responds to complaints concerning animal problems or violations of animal control ordinances, including but not limited to animals running at large, bites, property damage, or injuries.

Oversees quarantine of biting domestic animals. Undertakes community-oriented police work including crime prevention, neighborhood watch, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), traffic safety, child restraint education, public speaking and community events. Coordinates activities and exchanges information with other officers, community groups or other city departments as needed.

Obtains advice from the City Attorney, County Attorney, and Court Administrator regarding cases, policies and procedures, as needed and assigned. Maintains contact with police supervisory personnel to coordinate investigation activities, provide mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about department activities. Peripheral Duties Coordinates and promotes The Volunteers in Police Service to include Police Reserves, Citizen Patrol, Explores, Neighborhood Crime Prevention Programs and Neighborhood Watch Programs and citizen volunteers.

Establish, maintain and utilize a Social Media presence in the community on behalf of the Bemidji Police Department. Media content includes crime prevention tips, trends, highlights of department involvements, investigations, assistance from the public and information regarding animals in the city impound. Maintains departmental equipment, supplies and facilities.

Maintains operation of the city animal impound facility to including records of all the impounded animals, daily care of the animals, routine cleaning and maintenance of the facility, recommends purchases for items concerning animal control. Coordinates a public relations program in order to foster public awareness of ordinances regarding animal control and humane treatment of animals; works closely with the media, public interest groups and businesses to promote improved care and control of animals. Maintains contact with general public, court officials, and other City officials in the performance of police operating activities.

Diagnose and trouble shoot issues related to computer hardware and software involving the Records Management System, computer databases and mobile computers. Serves as a member of various employee, city and community committees. Serves in specialized assignments such as Field Training Officer (FTO), Bike Patrol, auto theft investigator, community service officer, SWAT team, narcotics agent, DARE, school liaison officer or instructors such as Defensive tactics, EVOC and firearms, as directed or assigned by the Police Chief.

Provides security patrol to entities under contract with the City. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education & Experience High school diploma or GED equivalent, supplemented by a minimum two (2) year community college degree or vocational school training in police science, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, public administration, or a related field; or Licensed Police Officer in the State of Minnesota; or Eligible to be licensed as allowed by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. Necessary Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of modern law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment.

Skill in operating the tools and equipment listed below. Ability to learn the applicable laws, ordinances, and Department rules and regulations. Ability to meet department's physical standards and perform work requiring good physical condition.

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers and supervisors. Ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions.

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Ability to meet the special requirements listed below. Ability to learn the City's geography.

Special Requirements Must possess, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid MN Driver's License without record of suspension or revocation in any state. Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to speak, read, and write the English language

Must successfully complete the Field Training Officer Program. Must be of good moral character and of temperate and industrious habits. Must possess and maintain Basic First Aid, AED and CPR certifications.

Must be clear of disqualifying convictions or disqualifying criminal history. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Tools & Equipment Used Police car, police radio, various speed detection radar units, stop stix, handgun, shotgun, rifle and other weapons as required, Taser, handcuffs, data master, preliminary breath tester, pager, first aid equipment, defibrillator, laptop computer, tint meter, pepper spray, camera, cellular telephone, computer software and hardware, bicycle, etc. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and taste or smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than one hundred (100) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions.

The employee may work near moving mechanical parts, in high precarious places, and near vehicles traveling at high speeds. The employee is routinely exposed to all types of weather conditions including extreme heat or extreme cold, wet, icy, snowy, windy, rainy and/or humid conditions. The employee is required to carry necessary safety equipment and take appropriate safety precautions at all times.

The employee is required to wear protective body armor while on duty, which may cause significant discomfort in seasonal weather conditions. The employee may be exposed to injury, trauma, angry or violent individuals, animal bites, blood-borne or air borne diseases, traffic accidents, visual and emotional trauma may occasionally be exposed to dangerous or diseased animals, trash and garbage. The position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Selection & Application Guidelines Formal application, review of education and experience. written test, Oral interview and a comprehensive background check. Psychological and physical examinations and drug or other job-related tests may be required.