Sheriff’s Volunteers Complete Training

They will wear a uniform and carry a badge.

But the 23 people who graduated Tuesday from the new Volunteers in Policing program won’t pack--or need--a gun.

The volunteers, who have agreed to work for the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department in Thousand Oaks for two six-hour shifts each week, will handle such non-emergency chores as clerical work and checking the homes of residents on vacation.

“The whole idea is to get to the point where we’re freeing up sworn personnel to devote more time to high-priority calls,” Sgt. Jeff Matson said.

Starting in early June, the volunteers will work out of the east Ventura County sheriff’s office. Besides administrative work, they will also conduct patrols in two old police cars, complete with city seal and flashing amber lights.

Although the volunteers, who just finished 10 weeks of training, have learned how to handle emergencies such as minor traffic accidents, Matson said they should avoid threatening situations.

“If they get into a situation that could be dangerous for them, they’ll need to back off,” he said.

The volunteers come from different age groups and backgrounds. Some work regular jobs. Some are retired. The youngest is 27; the oldest, over 70.

Betty Horner, 60, wife of former Thousand Oaks Mayor Larry Horner, said she jumped at the chance to volunteer. A Westlake resident for 27 years, she said that although the level of local crime hadn’t increased lately, the program was a good way to keep the area safe.

“You never let your guard down,” she said, “because the enemy is out there waiting.”

The police hope to certify more volunteers in the future, Matson said. Applicants must live or work in the Conejo Valley, have a valid California driver’s license and be at least 18 years old.