Among the duties of a police volunteer: Helping direct traffic at accidents scenes and working at special events.

CLEARWATER – The Clearwater Police Department is having a recruitment fair for potential volunteers.

The event is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 23) at Westfield Countryside Mall, 27001 U.S. 19 N, on the lower level near Sears.

Volunteers are an integral part of the police department, performing a variety of tasks and services throughout the community. They help direct traffic at accident scenes, write parking tickets, help patrol the beach and the parks, and work at special events such as concerts and festivals. They also perform a number of jobs inside the department such as filing and shredding, among other
duties.

General administration volunteers assist inside the police station with many administrative tasks, such as filing, copying, supply distribution, shredding, training of other volunteers, and overall, working in a variety of office-type settings.

Patrol includes wearing a uniform and driving marked pick-up trucks within the city limits, assisting the public, checking for safety hazards, reporting suspicious vehicles or persons, code violations, minor traffic crashes (non-injury/parking lots); reporting road obstructions, working special events (concerts), traffic direction and conducting welfare checks. Sometimes, these volunteers will also patrol city parks and sections of the Pinellas Trail, Clearwater Beach, and Sand Key.

Data input involves computer (data) inputting in a controlled setting. This unit offers challenges to volunteers who enjoy interfacing with technology and an indoor type working environment with like-minded people.

“We keep them busy,” said Sgt. Wilton Lee, who is in charge of the volunteer program. “They are an invaluable asset to the Clearwater Police Department.”

Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, a high school graduate (or G.E.D.), have no criminal history, successfully complete the provided training, and be willing to volunteer a minimum of 4 hours per week, to include weekends, some evenings, and many holidays. A patrol volunteer must also possess a valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving history.

For information on the program, call (727) 562-4178. For information about the Clearwater Police Department, go to clearwaterpolice.org.

Photograph of Clearwater Police volunteer courtesy of the Clearwater Police Department.

Clearwater Police | Police Volunteers | Westfield Countryside Mall | TB Reporter

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