Citizens Academy and Volunteer Opportunities
The Citizen's Academy is open to residents wanting to experience the inner workings of the Southlake Police and Fire Services. Upon graduating, participants may join any of the numerous volunteer programs available through Southlake DPS.
Southlake Citizen's DPS Academy:
Academy attendance increases awareness and dispels misconceptions about public safety. The program helps forge understanding between Southlake residents and public safety staff, often building lifelong relationships in the process.
Citizens attending the academy learn about fire and police operations in Southlake through classroom discussions, and hands-on activities: weapons demonstrations at the firing range, participation in a controlled burn, and the use of police and fire equipment. Each class member is also required to complete ride-a-long sessions with police officers and firefighters.
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The Southlake Department of Public Safety would like to thank the following restaurants for their continued support of the Southlake Citizens' DPS Academy. It is through their generous support that we are able to provide dinner to our Citizens' Academy students.
Baker Bros Deli
Blue Mesa
Chipotle
Cliffs
Cristinas
Fish City
i Fratelli
Joe's Pizza Pasta & Subs
McAlister's Deli
Michael Anthony's
Southlake Tavern
Southlake Citizen's DPS Association:
The Southlake DPS Citizens Association (SDCA) members are graduates of the DPS Citizen's Academy who choose to move into areas of service after completing the academy. (SDCA) Members of SDCA seek to improve the relationship between the citizens and the Department of Public Safety. SDCA is the association "parent group" of our public safety volunteer groups; although membership in SDCA is not required to participate in volunteer activities, most chose to join to help maintain the strength, organization, and professionalism of the various volunteer groups.
The goal of the SDCA as a non-profit organization is to serve the citizens of Southlake through its police and fire divisions by promoting public safety and crime prevention. Examples of the SDCA's work include hosting and attending regular training sessions, fund raising, providing volunteer support for DPS activities and, most recently, the development of Southlake Safety Town.
Citizens on Patrol (COPS):
Members of Southlake Citizens on Patrol are the eyes and ears of the police department. As graduates of the DPS Citizen's Academy, these members chose to serve in a patrol capacity. COPS patrol neighborhoods, business areas, and parks, reporting any suspicious or criminal activity to the police.
Southlake COPS receive continual hands-on training to ensure their safety, and increase their effectiveness. COPS members wear identifiable uniforms and drive a marked vehicle during their tours of duty, which are scheduled for peak activity periods, emergency situations, and major city events. In addition to patrol duties, COPS assist with traffic control, surveillance details, roadside assistance, and house watch checks.
The Southlake COPS program has become a viable presence in the city, serving as liaison between public safety and the community in taking a stance against crime.
Questions about Southlake COPS may be directed to Officer Roderick Page at (817) 748-8281.
Volunteers in Policing (VIPS):
In 2002, President George W. Bush created USA Freedom Corps to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed September 11. When he announced USAFC in his State of the Union address, he called on all Americans to serve a cause greater than their self. The Volunteers in Policing program was born out of that initiative.
The Southlake Police recently added a VIP component to its volunteer services. VIP is a national program designed for citizens who wish to use their time and skills in providing support and resources to their local law enforcement. Southlake VIPs give back by assisting in many areas of DPS, including staffing the Information Desk, assisting with data entry, research and studies, statistical analysis, and many other duties. Individuals wishing to serve through VIPS must first complete the DPS Citizen's Academy. (The Academy requires an application process and criminal background check).
Please direct questions on the VIPS to Lieutenant Rhonda Moore by calling 817-748-8349 or by
DPS Chaplains:
Participating chaplains of local churches are a part of the DPS Chaplains program. These chaplains work through Southlake DPS to provide support to community members faced with traumatic events, such as death, suicide, sexual assault, losing a home due to fire, etc.
Our chaplains represent a wide variety of religious traditions and levels of professional preparation. When these chaplains represent DPS though, each is "chaplain" for everyone, not just a particular congregation or service agency. They respect the persons they serve, even though there may be profound differences in race, gender, religious experience and other factors. Chaplains also serve on several boards and committees throughout the City. Many of our chaplains participate on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee, a sounding board between members of the ministry and the local government. In addition to serving the community, DPS Chaplains are available to City of
To become involved in this vital community resource, contact Corporal Mike Bedrich at (817)748-8137.
Fire Rehab Team:
Firefighting is a strenuous job, carried out in all weather conditions. The risk of heat stress to firefighters is critically high, so the Southlake Fire Services created the fire rehab team. The team's purpose is to ensure the physical condition of personnel on an emergency scene or training exercise does not deteriorate to a point that affects the operation's safety and integrity.
Upon request, the team members respond to fire scenes to provide rehab support to firefighters. Rehab members respond in a specially equipped vehicle that contains drinks and supplies needed to keep firefighters hydrated. The need for these on-scene rehab efforts cannot be understated: they protect the firefighters’ health and safety.
Individuals interested in the Fire Rehab program should call Lt. Jason Wise at 817-748-8328 or by email .
Southlake Mounted Patrol:
Southlake Mounted Patrol is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides courtesy patrols throughout the trails at Lake Grapevine. Mounted Patrol members train through the Southlake DPS to assist in emergency operations; especially those in the park and lake areas where the only access may be by horseback. Members provide their own horse and tack gear, and train both with and without their mount.
The Mounted Patrol team is an active group that takes pride in their contributions to the community. In addition to providing extra security for park and lake patrons, Southlake Mounted Patrol represents the city in parades, business openings, festival events, and major city events.
For more information about the Southlake Mounted Patrol, contact David Alexander at 817-251-1156, Kay Sabonis at 817-481-1872, or Julie Landesberg at 817-430-4077.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT):
When a disaster strikes, CERT volunteers spring into action. CERT is a group of organized disaster workers prepared through specialized training to provide assistance in the community in the event of an emergency or crisis. CERT is vitally important to both the community and Southlake public safety members, as it teams civilian forces with public safety resources to maximize response during an emergency.
A nine-week CERT Course is offered at the Southlake DPS West Facility for those interested in becoming a team member.