NCJ Number
101794
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 55 Issue: 6 Dated: (June 1986) Pages: 6-11
Date Published
1986
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The Huntington Beach Police Department (California) has implemented a successful community relations-oriented patrol program using trained civilians to deal with the problems associated with large summer beach crowds.
Abstract
The beach detail included both sworn officers and civilian liaison officers. Both groups participated in a training program that covered theoretical and practical material and included classroom and field exercises. Topics covered by the civilian training program included arrest and control techniques, evidence collection and preservation, and booking procedures. The beach detail provided a high level of police service to the community by enforcing various laws and codes pertaining to beach use. The most prevalent violations handled by the beach detail were possession of alcohol and drugs. During 1985, the detail was involved in more than 1,900 violator contacts and assisted in locating 16 lost children. The professional attitudes and demeanor of the detail members was frequently and favorably commented on by business owners, visitors, and even by some of the violators. The use of civilians greatly reduced the cost of the beach detail, reduced the long hours normally required of sworn officers, resulted in improved officer morale, and created a pool of trained liaison persons.