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Volunteers Help Shoulder the Load

NCJ Number
156780
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 64 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1995) Pages: 21-25
Author(s)
R J Liddell
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the development and implementation of three volunteer programs by the Lakewood, Colorado, Police Department.
Abstract
Faced with rising crime rates, gang violence, inadequate resources, and State tax limitation legislation, the police department chose to use volunteers in the Victim Assistance, Gang Graffiti Enforcement and Eradication, and Civilian Surveillance programs. Expanding the use of citizen volunteers presented three significant challenges pertaining to selection, training, and supervision. The sensitive nature of the programs meant the department had to identify and recruit interested and suitable citizen volunteers, provide adequate training, and establish a system of supervision and accountability within each program to ensure that volunteers perform effectively and within agency guidelines. The volunteers have provided officers with greater flexibility to meet enforcement duties and responsibilities. The Lakewood Police Department is now interested in expanding its volunteer programs, particularly in the area of victim assistance. 1 note