Police
Department volunteers protect our community
They serve as the “eyes and ears” for Beaumont—and
they’re worth a million dollars.
Each year, the Citizen Volunteer Patrol program donates
more than 10,000 hours of community service to our hometown. You’ve probably
spotted them directing traffic, checking abandoned homes, and cruising through
neighborhoods in their specially-marked cars. As volunteers for the Beaumont
Police Department, they receive
extensive training about being good observers. When they spot something amiss,
they notify police dispatchers. Some also work inside the Police Department
entering data into the computer, taking fingerprints and photographs and doing
clerical work.
“Beaumont is very fortunate and honored to have so many
dedicated citizen patrol volunteers,” said Police Chief Frank Coe. “They are
part of our law enforcement family, and we all work together to protect the
public.”
Tradition
of service
The volunteer program began in 1994 when only a handful
of officers patrolled Beaumont. The city needed a helping hand, and the Citizen
Volunteer Patrol was born. Today, the program has 25 volunteers, including some
who donate a hundred hours or more a month to their community.
You’ll see them on duty this summer at Stewart Park helping
the public and police officers during the concert series. You might have
spotted them last March fanned out across the city directing traffic at
intersections during the Beaumont Road Race, which is part of the Redlands
Bicycle Classic. The Citizen Volunteer Program allows more police officers to
work their regular patrols and keep us all safe.
Volunteers take part in a 10-week training course at the
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy. They learn about law enforcement
procedures, take a driving course, and study everything from gangs to CPR. They
fill out a city application and undergo a background check. Because Code
Compliance and Animal Care are part of the Beaumont Police Department, citizen
volunteers may also work in those areas.
Citizen Volunteer Patrol Commander George Diggs has been
volunteering since 2008. The retired plant maintenance supervisor puts in up to
130 hours a month.
“I believe in keeping busy and serving the community and
its residents,” Diggs said. “
Close
ties
The volunteers and Beaumont police officers share a deep
bond and a close working relationship nurtured over many years. They often ride
together, work closely at crime scenes, and honor each other’s service. At an
annual volunteer dinner, the cops cook up and serve a meal for the volunteers
and their spouses.
“Officers will often say, `We really appreciate what you
do—you’re part of the family,’” Diggs said. “That means a lot.”
Volunteers come from all backgrounds. Some volunteers in
their twenties are checking out a career in law enforcement. Others are retired
police officers who still want to be involved in public safety.
”I’m impressed with the professionalism of the officers
that I’ve met with this Department,” said Dennis Gray, who retired from law
enforcement after a 34-year career and has been a volunteer for about a year.
“I’m also impressed with the volunteers, their array of experience, their
dedication, and how much they give back to the community.”
Gray spent 27
years with the Inyo County Sheriff’s Department, and also worked as a police
officer in Banning and Perris.
So the next time you see one of our Citizen Volunteer
Patrol members on duty, say hello, thank them for their service, and consider
becoming a volunteer yourself. Applications are available at the Beaumont
Police Department, the Beaumont Civic Center, and the Albert A. Chatigny Sr.
Community Recreation Center and also online at www.BeaumontCares.com
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