What does ‘PNP’ Mean?

PNP stands for “Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol” which are our members who have participated in a half-day training by Phoenix PD.

What do PNP Members do?

PNP Members watch out for their neighborhoods by knowing what is usual and what is unusual.  They are watchful while walking the dog or just taking a walk, riding their bike or simply driving through their neighborhood.  You are encouraged to know your neighbors and immediate area.    That car that has been parked a couple houses down.  Does it belong to a resident?  How about the people sitting in it for the past half-hour.  Is that unusual or suspicious?  How about the repairman parked in front of your neighbor’s house 3 doors down that you know are in California?

I’m a busy person without a lot of free time.  How much time will be required for patrols, data recording, or other activities if I become a PNP member?

You dedicate whatever time you feel comfortable.  Once you are trained, others may ask that you accompany them on a patrol.  There is no minimum requirement for time you must dedicate to the program.  No one will inquire of the time you have spent that is dedicated to PNP.  We hope that you will dedicate at least some time each month making your neighborhood a safer place for all.

How do I go about becoming a PNP member so that I can help patrol my neighborhood?

You must attend a half-day training session administered by the Phoenix Police Department.  During the pandemic classes are provided virtually in 2 two-hour segments usually in the evening.

How much is it going to cost me to be a PNP member?  Are there things I will be expected to purchase?  Are there things that PNP members typically purchase to assist with their patrols even though it isn’t a stated requirement?

The only cost to become a PNP member is the 4 hours you will spend in the initial training.  A PNP t-shirt which is required to be worn while on patrol will be provided to you upon completion of training.  If you use your personal vehicle for patrolling, identifying signs or flags should be used.  These are available for purchase.  Some neighborhood organizations can assist you to obtain them.

When and where are the city-wide PNP meetings held?

There is a monthly meeting for all PNP members (this meeting is NOT mandatory) held the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM in the Mountain View Precinct Community Room.  These meetings may be held virtually.  (Via WebEx, Zoom, etc.)

Some have said “I do not have time for any additional obligations on my personal time!”

Other than the few hours to take the training class, you just do what you normally do. There are no other obligations or responsibilities other than being aware as you move about your neighborhood.

You will feel pride in your new  awareness. Phoenix Neighborhood Patrol (PNP) training changes the way you think about yourself and your surroundings. The training classes are a one time event, and are just few hours long, they change your way of thinking about where you are are, what is happening around you, what you now look for and really observe what you see and hear and most importantly, who and how to contact to report what you’ve observed. From the time you leave the class, you will notice what the Phoenix Police officers have taught you will make a difference in your awareness. You will have a comfortable feeling of what is referred to as ‘situational awareness’… “you are are now aware of your surroundings, and what is happening all around you!”

While there are occasional special training classes, such as about “Gangs”, graffiti, sometimes a news related or other topical subjects of interest, there are no obligations to attend unless you desire to do so.