MISSION: The overall mission of the Community Oriented Policing Squad is to protect the lives and property of the residents of the Desire, Florida, B.W. Cooper and C.J. Peete Housing Developments, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life. The mission will be accomplished through the cooperative efforts of COPS officers, residents of public housing; as well as the various city, private, corporate and federal agencies.

PUBLIC SERVICE: Personnel assigned to COPS must be totally dedicated to the task of providing the highest quality of service to the residents of public housing. It is imperative that each individual of the various developments be treated in a fair, courteous and professional manner.

Goal: Install a positive attitude towards the residents of Desire, Florida, C.J. Peete and B.W. Cooper, based on mutual trust, courtesy, respect and cooperation.

PROTECTING LIFE AND PROPERTY: The primary function of the Community Oriented Policing Squad (COPS) will be to protect the lives and property of the residents of Desire, Florida, C.J. Peete and B.W. Cooper. To achieve this, an in-depth analysis was made regarding the problems that are unique to public housing. After the analysis was completed, allocation of personnel was made. It was imperative that not only the Community Oriented Policing Squad personnel, but the residents have an input into the optimum strategy we used to attack these problems. Analysis was done as to the frequency and types of crimes that were being committed in the developments and a comprehensive strategy was developed to combat the problems that are unique to public housing.

Goal: Decrease the murder rate, as well as other crimes, and provide an increased police presence throughout the developments. It is paramount to create an atmosphere of cooperation and trust between the residents and the police.

MANPOWER: Approximately fifty-four (54) total personnel are assigned to this unit. The break down is as follows: Two (2) lieutenants, seven (7) sergeants, and forty-five (45) police officers.

Goal: Utilize the Community Oriented Policing Squad personnel to their greatest potential, and achieve peak productivity, through the use of these personnel.

PROFESSIONALISM: By their professional performance, the Community Oriented Policing Squad officers were able to restore respectability to the Department, as well as gain the trust and confidence of the public housing residents. Officers project a positive attitude, present a professional appearance, and combine their job knowledge and experience with dedication to meet their designated goals. By applying these attributes and working diligently, the Community Oriented Policing Squad will be successful in reaching the desired goal. Supervisors will be responsible for providing quality supervision to all members of COPS, as well as ensuring adherence to all Departmental rules and state and local laws. Roll call training and daily inspections are used as tools to achieve these goals.

Goal: Develop professionalism in personnel through training, quality supervision and discipline. Provide the highest quality of public service, which is necessary to protect and serve the residents. Develop and enhance the operation of the Community Oriented Policing Squad through training, meetings and frequent performance ratings. Restore law, order, and peace among the residents of these housing developments.