There are moments as citizens of Orlando where we feel we’ve done it all. From Disney World theme parks to a walk around Lake Eola, we’ve probably exhausted all the possible options of doing something new.

While that seems to be the case, the good news is that there is always going to be a place or some activity in Orlando we have yet to visit or do. If you still believe there is nothing left, then we at Nonahood News suggest some great community programs offered by our Orlando Police Department.

Residents have all of the following to choose from: starting a neighborhood watch group, becoming an OPD volunteer, participating in the Teen Police and Fire Academy, requesting a free home security walkthrough, or participating in the Citizen Observer Program.

Every neighborhood has a desire to feel safe, and rightfully so. These are the areas that create some of our first social bonds, especially when moving to a new place. The OPD offers a program in which neighborhoods can receive training on how to identify and report any suspicious activity. From their street or entire community, residents can work with the OPD to create a neighborhood watch group.

The first thing to consider is ensuring that your community is within the city of Orlando and at least 40 percent of its members will participate. The community should also be able to meet at least twice a year with the OPD for training.

If your fellow neighbors are not currently in a place to become part of a neighborhood watch group just yet, there are other ways to secure individuals homes. The OPD offers a free home security walkthrough by appointment.

The city of Orlando’s website shares common tips that every resident should be mindful of. One of the first tips provided is that address numbers should be visible from the street. With a lot of front lawns having an array of different plants, the OPD also suggests keeping bushes or shrubs under two feet.

When considering your front door, which the OPD says to be a common place where break-ins happen, the bolt lock should be at least one inch in length. The strike plate of the front door should have screws of two to three inches. By calling (407) 246-2369, residents can have a full survey done of their homes to reduce vulnerability.

If you’ve ever wanted to explore a career as a law enforcement officer, are looking for unique college credit, or are investing in ways to give back to the community, there are volunteer opportunities with the OPD. Background information, such as job history and education, along with references, would need to be provided when applying.

Eligibility, however, would be disqualified if the applicant had committed a felony or an offense considered to be a felony in Florida. Use of illegal drugs within the last year or having sold them within the last two years would also result in disqualification. If eligible to apply, then a phone interview would be conducted within two weeks of your application’s submission.

Even if you’re simply looking to volunteer as a citizen who can reduce potential crime, the OPD also offers a program for that. Known as the Citizen Observer Program, or COP, volunteers who are at least 25 years old are given special training in observing and reporting suspicious criminal activity. COP volunteers patrol neighborhoods, shopping malls, and school zones. Though they cannot confront a situation directly, cannot carry any weapons, and have no law enforcement authority, volunteers of this program reduce criminal activity while helping in the apprehension of criminals.

Volunteers of the COP must be in good physical condition and moral character, have a valid Florida driver’s license, and pass multiple examinations. Applications can be submitted directly to the OPD headquarters, 1250 W. South St.
Whether you’re looking for a new challenge or would like to explore something unique, the OPD has multiple programs to help with just that. If you have any interest in the programs mentioned, more key information can be found on the city of Orlando’s website via the public safety programs or at http://www.orlando.gov/Public-Safety/OPD/Community-Programs.