ANTELOPE VALLEY : Volunteers Sought for Area Patrols

Antelope Valley residents can obtain applications at sheriff’s stations in Lancaster and Palmdale to volunteer for the community patrols beginning in November, deputies said Friday.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record or pending charges, fill out the application and pass a sheriff’s background check. Participants will work one shift of several hours each week, scouting for offenses such as graffiti painting and burglaries.

Under the program--called Volunteers Organized to Improve the Community Environment, or VOICE--the unarmed volunteers will patrol Lancaster and Palmdale in cars provided by the Sheriff’s Department, wearing uniforms of blue pants and white shirts. If they see crimes occurring, they will use portable phones to contact deputies.