Citizens On Patrol  Mobile Data Computers & Laptop Reporting System
  Neighborhood Associations  Police Explorer Scouts  Santa In Blue
  Special Olympics

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Department personnel are active in the Citizens on Patrol Program, a program in which citizens patrol their neighborhoods in a non-confrontational manner. COP recently received 12 new cellular telephones from the Federal Community Policing Consortium. A block grant provided funds to purchase portable radios which allow the patrolling units to communicate with each other. If you are interested in applying for the Citizens on Patrol Program, click here for an application. For more information, visit the Citizens On Patrol page or visit their website at www.bmtcop.org

The majority of patrol cars are now MDC (Mobile Data Computer) capable. These mobile computers allow access to integrated federal, state and Beaumont Police Department data bases. Officers can obtain information by direct access which enables them to take quicker action. This quick information response is definitely an enhancement to officer safety. Officers are now able to do the majority of offense reports on laptop computers. This enables reports to be entered into the department's computer data base quicker and free up the Records Management personnel for other duties.

In July 1993, the Beaumont Police Department instituted the Community Oriented Policing philosophy. As a result, neighborhood associations have been formed city-wide in an effort to get citizens more involved with their police department and vice versa. Many of these groups meet monthly in their neighborhoods to discuss problems and concerns. These problems are often crime-related, but other topics often include drainage, streets and lighting. Many of these association members volunteer at the department's three substations located in three different locations of the city. Recently, many association members have become involved in the Citizens on Patrol Program assisting police in patrolling their neighborhood streets. The program involves program members committing a certain number of patrol hours. More information is available at the website www.BmtNeighbors.org.

The Beaumont Police Department sponsors a law enforcement explorer post. This is an affiliation of the Boy Scouts. Males and females between the ages of 14 and 21 are encouraged to participate. Participants learn about law enforcement from police officers. They are taught proper techniques in building searches, traffic stops, investigations and other situations. They also learn about crime prevention. The scouts participate in a ride-along program where they are allowed to ride with an officer to see actual police duties. Beaumont's Explorer Scouts have participated in several competitions throughout the state and nation. The Beaumont post currently holds state and national rankings. The Beaumont Police Explorer Scout Program is a gateway to law enforcement. Anyone between the ages of 14 and 21 who are interested in law enforcement as a career should consider this as a first step. Since its inception in 1986, 14 scouts have gone on to become excellent police officers.

Each year many officers participate in the Santa In Blue Program in which collected toys and clothing are distributed to needy children throughout the City of Beaumont.

Law enforcement officers throughout the state and country raise money for Special Olympics. In 1987, the Beaumont Police Department became involved in Special Olympics with officers raising money and using their own time to participate in the annual torch run to the Summer Games. The funds that these officers raise stay in the area which includes Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, Chambers and Jasper Counties and 1,500 athletes. Pt. Arthur Police Department came on board in 1996 and TDCJ joined in 1997. Beaumont Police Officer Crystal Holmes is the South East Texas area coordinator.

The Beaumont Police Department and Blue Knights Texas XIX Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club will host a Poker Run to benefit Special Olympics Texas -- Area 5 -- on Saturday, March 27, 2004. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Bobbie McGee's on Crockett Street in downtown Beaumont. Registration fee is $20 per rider which includes a lapel pin. Passengers are $10. Other activities will include door prizes and a 50/50 split pot. There will be four stops total. There will be payout for high hand/low hand. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics athletes from the Southeast Texas area. For more information, contact Special Olympics Region 5 Director Alison Peveto at 409-784-5610 or the Beaumont Police Department at 409-880-3825. Or, you can request information via fax at 409-880-3835.