The Citizens Police Academy is a joint effort through local agencies to teach citizens the various aspects of law enforcement.  Through education we hope to strengthen the communication between citizens and law enforcement to make this a safer place to live, work and play.

Citizens On Patrol members are carefully selected. Members are trained in how to detect and effectively report to police officers: 

Crime in progress

And so much more

Crime Prevention is not just for police, but a cooperative effort by the community and the police force.  Citizens need to be aware of their community and will know their neighborhood better than any police officer could.

Trying to determine whether or not to call 911 or the regular phone line needs to be determined next.  911 is for emergencies only.  If immediate response is necessary then utilizing 911 is the appropriate choice.  If damage has been done to property and occurred sometime in the evening then calling the regular phone line would be appropriate.  

Being vigilant in contacting the police department when suspicious activity is occurring will help in curbing crime in your area.  Reporting suspicious activity to a dispatcher is very important.  It is important to give as much information and detail as possible.  Detailed information on the suspect, vehicle information, direction of travel, and information on contacting you is very important.  Asking the dispatcher not to disseminate your information over the radio is OK as long as an officer has the ability to call dispatch and get information to follow up on a call.  Most information that is given by the caller is put over the radio to advise officers who or what they are looking for while responding to the call.  If a person or vehicle is leaving the area and officers are given information on a direction of travel they are going to be more proactive and looking for the suspect and/or vehicle leaving the area.

The police department is here to assist and protect the public and with your help we all can have a safer place to live, work and play.  If you have any questions about starting a neighborhood watch or a police presentation on crime prevention, please call the Community Relations Officer at (575) 763-9427.

A program of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children®, the goal of Take 25 is to heighten awareness about children’s safety issues. With a focus on prevention, the campaign encourages parents, guardians, and other trusted-adult role models to spend time talking to kids and teaching them ways to be safer.

Crime Stoppers is a cooperation between the citizen, media and police, designed to involve the public in fighting crime. Citizens can inform the police through Crime Stoppers on information that they have about a crime or potential crime. Cash rewards are offered when the information received leads to an arrest.

What is Neighborhood Watch?

In essence, Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that stresses education and common sense (Stegenga 2000). It teaches citizens how to help themselves by identifying and reporting suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. In addition, it provides citizens with the opportunity to make their neighborhoods safer and improve the quality of life. Neighborhood Watch groups typically focus on observation and awareness as a means of preventing crime and employ strategies that range from simply promoting social interaction and "watching out for each other" to active patrols by groups of citizens (Yin, et al., 1976).

In 2005, the Clovis Police Department with the assistance of Watson Motor Company began the Shop with a Cop program.  The program was created to take underprivileged children who would not have a Christmas otherwise shopping at a local store.  Through donations from the community a $100.00 gift card is given to the child and accompanied by a Police Officer while they shop for gifts.

The first year of the program 20 children were taken shopping as we raised $2000.00.  Many of the officers who participated in the program enjoyed the experience so much they volunteered for each year there after.  The second and third year of the program we have been able to raise more than $10,000 and take over 100 children shopping.  The last two years we have had volunteers from Cannon AFB, Curry County Sheriff's Office, Adult Probation and Parole, NM State Police and the 9th Judicial District Attorney's Office.  

The program has grown and with the help of Elliot Marketing, KTQM and Daylight Donuts a program was created two years ago in which a donut is given to you if you make a donation to the Shop with a Cop program.  Officer's have braved the cold and stand outside asking for donations.

Law Enforcement Exploring is a worksite-based program for young men and women who have completed the Eighth Grade School Level and are 14 years of age, or are 15 years of age, but have not yet reached their 21st birthday.

Law Enforcement Explorer Posts help youth to gain insight into a variety of programs that offer hands-on career activities. For young men and women who are interested in careers in the field of law enforcement, Exploring offers experiential learning with lots of fun-filled, hands-on activities that promote the growth and development of adolescent youth.

How do you join? Contact Master Police Officer Dale Rice at the Clovis Police Department at 769-1921  Ext. 1560 or reach him by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WHERE: Clovis Police Department, 300 N. Connelly Street, Clovis, New Mexico 

WHEN: Meetings are on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00p.m. and again on the third Saturday of each month from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

WHAT: (Training Schedule)

January training is the Radio 10-Codes/Officer Safety/Defensive Tactics and the Law Block.

February training is Traffic Stops and DWI Enforcement.

March training is Building Searches.

April training is Parade Marching Overview and Physical Fitness.

May training is Firearms Shooting Overview.

June training is Dispatch/Radio Procedures.

July training is Report Writing and Traffic Crash Investigations.

August training is Crime Scene Investigations

September training is Recruitment.

October training is Fingerprinting Procedures.

November training is Hazardous Materials Training.

December training is The Light Parade.

**NOTE: This schedule is subject to change.