An Introduction to Georgia C.O.P.S.

Each year, between 140 and 160 officers are killed in the line of duty and their families and co-workers are left to cope with the tragic loss.  Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.) provides resources to help them rebuild their shattered lives.  There is no membership fee to join C.O.P.S., for the price paid is already too high.

The parent company, Concerns of Police Survivors, Inc., was founded in 1984 with the sole purpose of “rebuilding shattered lives” of family members and co-workers who lost an officer in the line of duty.  Since that year, we now have 55 chapters in almost every state in the nation, but our mission is the same.  We are an organization whose desire is that our over 50,000 membership base would decrease as opposed to increasing.

The Georgia chapter was originally chartered on November 16, 1996 under the name of North Georgia Concerns of Police Survivors and served those survivors from Macon to the Tennessee state line.  However, as our chapter grew, we realized we also needed to serve the needs of all survivors throughout the state and on February 26, 2001 was rechartered under the chapter name of Georgia Concerns of Police Survivors.  C.O.P.S. is a 501 (c) 3 national organization and donations are tax deductible under present law.

Our chapter consists of all volunteers with no paid staff.  Our Board members serves with a labor of love and are passion driven.  Our membership consists of spouses, children, parents, grandparents, siblings, significant others and any other family relative as well as co-workers of the deceased officer.

Georgia C.O.P.S. relies solely on fundraising, donations and sponsors that enable us to provide financial assistance to first year surviving family members to attend National Police Week in Washington, DC to pay tribute and honor their deceased officer.  In addition, we provide financial assistance to survivors who attend the annual hands-on programs (retreat programs) hosted by our parent organization. 

Through hands-on programs, peer support, trainings, conferences, scholarships and counseling, C.O.P.S. helps surviving family members and co-workers get through the process of grief and coping for as long as they feel a need.  Our goal is to put that smile back on their face and the joy they once had back in their heart and soul.

If you wish to contribute your time and talent to Georgia C.O.P.S. as a volunteer, there are many ways to become involved and we invite you to contact us.