FULLERTON : Police Start Senior Volunteer Program
In an effort to save money, the Police Department is starting a volunteer program for men and women aged 60 or over, who will be asked to do some limited police duties.
“With a group of volunteers, we could get a lot more done,” said Sgt. Neal Baldwin, who is coordinating the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol program.
The seniors, who will not carry weapons but will wear a modified uniform, will patrol parks, control crowds and traffic at special events, issue parking tickets and conduct residential vacation checks. If they see a serious crime they will be instructed to call for patrol officers, Baldwin said. They will also be trained to make citizen’s arrests in other circumstances.
City officials first began discussing the senior volunteer program during the spring budget review as a way to save money, said city spokeswoman Sylvia Palmer Mudrick.
Baldwin said he is looking for 10 people to serve a minimum of four hours each week. They will be trained and have police radios and share a reconditioned patrol car. The seniors will wear cadet-type uniforms of dark pants and a light blue shirt.
In addition to the light patrol work, the seniors will also help the firing range master, do some clerical work and fingerprinting.
People interested in becoming volunteers should call Baldwin at (714) 738-6715.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
