Lakewood Police have been using non-sworn volunteers since the concept was approved by the city manager in August 1985. They expanded the program to use specially-trained citizen volunteers to assist sworn personnel on the street in 1994.Volunteers now log over 15,000 hours annually, resulting in a savings to the city of $303,750 in 2008 alone.
Although the national private sector value estimated for volunteer service is $20.25 per hour, Lakewood Police Department has found their assistance to be priceless.
Volunteers currently assist with managing the neighborhood watch program, reviewing cold cases, handling impounded vehicles, responding to assist stranded motorists, enforcing disabled parking regulations, doing surveillance and extra patrols, booking abandoned property, conducting radar patrol in neighborhoods, visiting with seniors, searching for adults or children who have wandered, servicing bracelets for Colorado Life Trak clients, doing crime analysis, photography, data entry and records maintenance.
They are also enlisted to help with special functions such as the annual marathon, high school home coming games and dances or other school functions. Volunteers also donate numerous hours assisting with the annual Christmas Cheer for Children program, packaging and delivering gifts and food boxes to low-income families throughout Lakewood.
On Nov. 16, Lakewood Police Department will honor their volunteers with a catered dinner - and a very sincerethank youfor another successful and productive year of service.
Volunteers must be over the age of 21 and must pass a background check and polygraph exam.
For more information on becoming a Lakewood Police volunteer, call 303-987-7105.