Originally established in the 1940's, Precinct Community Councils are forums that provide on-going, direct communication between the police and community. Community members meet regularly with the precinct Commanding Officer and Community Affairs Officers to discuss and find solutions to public-safety problems in their neighborhood. There are 76 Councils citywide, one in each precinct. In addition, Police Service Areas serving City housing developments convene Resident Councils. Meetings are held once per month and open to the public and your attendance is encouraged.

Find out when your Precinct Community Council Meets: visit your precinct web page 

The mission of the New York City Police Department’s Civilian Observation Patrol Program is to enhance the quality of life in our city by working in partnership with the New York City Police Department to observe and report suspicious and criminal activity, to preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe environment. 

What is the C.O.P.?

• The Civilian Observation Patrol is a neighborhood watch program involving responsible civilians who volunteer to act as the eyes and ears of the Police Department. These volunteers patrol their own neighborhoods and report suspicious and criminal activity that require Police attention.
• Members of Civilian Observation Patrols assist the Police and other Emergency personnel by observing and reporting incidents, conditions and crimes.
• By maintaining a visible presence in the community, Civilian Observation Patrols help deter crime and promote neighborhood safety and security.

 Contact: Your local precinct, or call 646-610-5323 for more information.

The Ride-Along Program provides the public an opportunity to observe police officers on patrol. Members of the public ride with officers in a patrol car for approximately two to four hours, witnessing firsthand what a police officer on patrol encounters during a tour of duty. Generally, the program is open to civilians living in New York as well as visiting government and law enforcement officials.  All applicants are subject to a thorough background check and must submit their application three weeks in advance.  Each participant must sign a waiver and wear a bullet resistant vest that is provided by the NYPD.

 Ever wonder what it is like to ride in a NYPD police vehicle and patrol New York City? 

The Ride Along program lets you do just that- ride along in a police vehicle with NYPD police officers while they do patrol.  It lasts for approximately two hours and you get to experience firsthand what a police officer on patrol encounters during a tour of duty. The program is open to New York City residents with valid photo identification and is over the age of eighteen.  Two people are able to participate at the same time. 

For more information, contact 212-343-3678.  To download a copy of the Ride Along application, you may do so here. 

REQUIREMENTS

• Applicants must be 18 years or older and a bona fide resident of New York State.
• Applications are available at Community Affairs Bureau, 1 Police Plaza [Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm], any local precinct, or can be downloaded here.
• Applications must be received by the Community Affairs Bureau within the following period:
  • New York State Residents: 15 Days prior to request date 
  • Out of State or International Law Enforcement Personnel: 30 Days prior to request date 
  • Walk-in applicants will not be approved
• Out-of-state or international applicants (law enforcement only) must provide a letter of sponsorship on official letterhead from the Commanding Officer of the law enforcement agency.
• Applicants must submit a copy of a valid New York State photo ID with the application.
• International law enforcement personnel will submit a copy of their passport and their police ID.
• All applications are subject to approval and to background checks by NYPD.
• Approved applicants with scheduling conflicts may reschedule their appointments by contacting Community Affairs Bureau at (212) 343-3678. Please allow up to two weeks to reschedule your appointment.
• Applicants are encouraged to complete a survey form at the conclusion of the ride.

RULES OF CONDUCT

• A valid photo ID and the Ride Along Permission Slip must be presented at the time of the ride.
• The use of cameras, recording devices and cell phones are prohibited.
• The Police Officer(s) assigned to the ride will provide a brief orientation on the program. If an emergency should occur during the ride, for your own safety, you must comply with any directive given to you by the officer(s).
• No weapons or any other items prohibited by law, including self-defense sprays are allowed, while participating in the program.
• All participants will be provided with a bullet proof vest that must be worn during the ride.
• Ride will be cancelled, if applicant arrives more than 15 minutes late for appointment.
  

RIDE ALONG APPLICATION 

 The Citizens' Police Academy program was first implemented in 1993 as part of the Department’s ongoing effort to develop a working relationship with the community. This 14-week program is offered 2 times per year: during the Spring and Fall. Participants are nominated by the Commanding Officers of every Precinct, Transit District, and Housing Police Service Area. 

    Experienced Training Bureau instructors provide training in the legal, social and procedural aspects of policing. In addition to core courses, other areas of study include firearms discipline and counterterrorism. Lectures, electronic media, role-plays, simulations, and workshops are utilized to educate community members about police training and tactics, with the goal of having participants acquire a better understanding of the authority and limitations of the police. The information and insight gained from the program allows all involved to assess their roles and responsibilities in fostering effective and productive police-community partnerships.

Contact: Your local precinct

The Police Museum, an independent non-profit institution, holds formal collections of current and archival police memorabilia. Cutting edge technology allows the visitor to travel through the annals of the Department’s history as well as placing them in the shoes of a police officer in a 3-D virtual “Shoot, Don’t Shoot” simulator. The Museum is located at 100 Old Slip, between Water and South Streets and is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10am-5pm.

Link:  Police Museum 

Contact: 212-480-3100