LA HABRA HEIGHTS : Deputies Seek Residents for Patrol Program

The city and the sheriff’s station in Industry are joining forces to put citizens behind the wheel of specially marked patrol cars to keep an eye out for crime.

“The whole idea is to increase visibility,” said Mayor Judith Hathaway-Francis. “We needed to augment our paid (law-enforcement) services with volunteers.”

The council asked representatives from the Industry station to develop Volunteers on Patrol, which is modeled after programs at sheriff’s stations throughout the county.

After several months of development, the council granted final approval for the program in December, Hathaway-Francis said.

Deputies are seeking 12 to 20 volunteers who will be taught basic criminal law, first aid and patrol procedures during a 14-week course at the station. The class, which meets weekly for 2 1/2 hours, will be taught by deputies, judges and other law enforcement experts.

Graduates will patrol the hillside city in pairs, using cars that bear a sheriff’s volunteer logo and a city seal. The volunteers will not be expected to try to break up crimes in progress.

“We want them to be our eyes and ears and alert us to problems, not to take action,” said Lt. Thomas O’Brien, who will supervise the program.

Organizers prefer La Habra Heights residents to serve, but those who live in other cities can apply, O’Brien said. The program is also open to senior citizens.

Patrol cars are to be donated by area auto dealers, and the volunteers will be covered under the city’s automobile insurance. Because the services are largely donated, the city is putting up about $1,000 for the program, Hathaway-Francis said.

Classes start Jan. 25. The first volunteer patrols should hit the streets in April.

O’Brien said the Industry station is planning to introduce the program in Hacienda Heights and other cities within its patrol area.