Article Contributed on: 3/2/2008 3:26:57 PM
The Castle Rock Police Department has partnered with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to create a Community Safety Volunteer Program to assist officers in providing for the safety and security of Castle Rock residents.
"These volunteers will provide services that are needed, but don't require a sworn officer," said the Town's Community Policing Officer Will Harris. Examples of such services include VIN verifications, home watches and educational outreach.
The 10-week training program begins April 8, and continues Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-10 p.m., as well as four Saturdays. The training will be at the Douglas County Justice Center. The curriculum includes patrol functions, self-defense, report writing, radio procedures, geography and defensive driving. After graduation, each volunteer must complete a 40-hour "ride along" training program.
CSVs will use a police fleet vehicle, equipped with yellow flashing lights and radios as well as graphics identifying the car as part of the volunteer force. To be a CSV, one must commit to volunteering 16 hours per month and meet the following requirements:
· 20 years old or older
· Citizen of the United States
· Possess a valid Colorado driver's license
· Pass a polygraph and full background investigation
· No felony convictions
· No illegal drug use in the last three years and no alcohol-related traffic offenses in the last five years
· Ability to handle confidential information appropriately
· Possess good presentation and public-speaking skills
For more information or to register for the training, contact Harris, weharris@CRgov.com or 303-663-6148.