The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station’s Citizens on Patrol program is now taking applications from residents interested in contributing to the program, as the next COP Academy gets underway in just two weeks, on October 26. COP volunteers perform vacation checks on residences, provide traffic control for special events, do welfare checks on those who are homebound, and provide other community services that allow for deputies to concentrate on law enforcement assignments. To participate in the COP program, residents must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, possess a valid ID, and pass a background check. Interviews for prospective members of the COP team will be conducted through October 20 and, once training is completed, volunteers are asked to contribute a minimum of 17 hours per month. COP applications are available at the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station, on the Boulevard at Summit, during regular business hours, or by calling Service Specialist Tiffany Swantek at 866-0103.