Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.

- John Howard Payne

History

OCOP was founded in August 2001 by Pete Definbaugh after his house was one of 31 neighborhood homes burglarized that summer. He recruited volunteers from Overlea, Linover and Elmwood to help patrol. In 2003, Pete accepted the Governor's Crime Prevention Award in recognition of the work done by the OCOP which resulted in a reduction of neighborhood crime.

In 2004, the OCOP became incorporated and in 2005 was granted nonprofit 501(c) (3) status from the Federal Government. With the help of Senator Kathy Klausmeier, the OCOP obtained permission to rent the Overlea Bus Station for use as the first-ever Citizens On Patrol Command Center. The organization has sponsored several events, including Antique Car Shows, Community Festivals, National Night Out Picnics and an Annual Bull and Oyster Roast. OCOP delivers over thirty thousand newsletters a year to help provide education and up-to-date information on criminal activities to its residents. There is no membership fee required to join the Overlea Citizens on Patrol.

Website by Overlea Citizens On Patrol for Those Who Live, Work, and Play in the Overlea, Fullerton, Elmwood, Dale and Linover Communities