Flint Police Department’s Citizens’ Radio Patrol to Begin Operations

The City of Flint's Police Department's new Citizens' Radio Patrol will begin operations this week. The Citizens' Radio Patrol consists of volunteers who will patrol different parts of the city and will alert the police department of suspicious and criminal activity as well as other emergencies they encounter.

Flint Police Chief James Tolbert came up with the Citizens' Radio Patrol as an extension of the Blue Badge Volunteer Corps, the umbrella program for all city related volunteer activities. Tolbert said "having those extra individuals acting as our eyes and ears with real time reporting capability will enable us to respond to more situations as they arise."

Trained volunteers of the CRP will meet at the Flint Police Department in the roll call room on Wednesday to obtain radio units, reflective decals for vehicles and deployments to their specific areas of operation. According to a news release from the city, all of the volunteers have undergone background checks before being trained in police observation and reporting techniques.

More volunteer opportunities are available. Anyone interested in joining the CRP or other Blue Badge Volunteer programs, can contact Flint Police Officer Tanya Meeks at (810) 237-6926.