NCJ Number
63735
Date Published
1979
Length
10 pages
Annotation
THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF USING CITIZEN-POLICE VOLUNTEERS IS EXAMINED FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF BOTH CITIZEN AND POLICE.
Abstract
CITIZEN POLICE ARE NONREGULAR POLICE REPRESENTATIVES WHO MAY OR MAY NOT POSSESS POLICE POWERS AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE COMPENSATED. MOST HAVE PASSED BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS AND COMPLETED A PRIMARY INSTRUCTION COURSE. THE ESSAY EXAMINES THE REASONS SUCH VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED AND DESCRIBES THEIR GENERAL DUTIES AND LEGAL POWERS. SOME KIND OF CITIZEN POLICE ARE SECURITY PERSONNEL EMPLOYED BY CONTRACT GUARD AGENCIES, COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICERS, POLICE CADETS, AND TENANT AND YOUTH PATROLS. USE OF CITIZEN-POLICE PROVIDES ADDITIONAL HELP IN PREVENTIVE PATROL WORK, EMERGENCIES, AND SPECIAL EVENTS AND EXPERIENCE TO THOSE CONTEMPLATING A POLICE CAREER. IT PROVIDES THESE ADVANTAGES AT LITTLE COST AND CONSTITUTES A CONSTRUCTIVE AVENUE FOR POLICE-COMMUNITY COOPERATION. DISADVANTAGES GENERALLY RELATE TO POLICE FEARS ABOUT JOB SECURITY, SUSPICIONS CONCERNING THE MOTIVATION OF CITIZEN POLICE, AND THE LACK OF LONG-TERM COMMITMENT FROM VOLUNTEERS. SUCCESS DEPENDS ON MUTUAL RESPECT AND COMMUNICATION, AND STUDY OF EXISTING VOLUNTEER POLICE PROGRAMS BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION IN A PARTICULAR COMMUNITY. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND NOTES ARE INCLUDED. (RFC)