Staff Writer

 The Old Orchard Beach Police Department is dispatching 25 new ambassadors to keep an eye on the town.

The department last week launched its new Citizens Patrol as part of the existing Volunteers in Police Services program. Citizens Patrol volunteers will drive around town in a modified patrol car, provide traffic direction at events and be ambassadors for the police department, said Lt. Timothy DeLuca. About 25 volunteers attended an orientation Feb. 24.

DeLuca said volunteers also will perform property checks and direct patrols based on complaints from residents. He said volunteers will be trained to observe suspicious behavior and report it to police. Volunteers will not have authority to ticket people or make arrests.

“This is a very exciting time. We’ve been talking about this for quite some time,” DeLuca said.

DeLuca said he recruited Citizens Patrol volunteers from graduates of the department’s Citizens’s Police Academy, members of the fire police and neighborhood watch groups. Residents interested in becoming part of the program can still sign up.

Citizens Patrol volunteers must adhere to the same ethical standards as police officers and uphold the department’s mission to enhance the safety, welfare and quality of life for all residents, DeLuca said.

While the assistance volunteers will provide likely will be invaluable, DeLuca said the experience should also be fun.

“There are a lot of things that are hands on,” he said. “Volunteers are expected to have fun and learn from each other.”

Volunteers must commit eight hours a month to the patrol. The patrol car – DeLuca’s former cruiser – has been outfitted with a light bar, siren and Citizens Patrol logo. Two volunteers must be together in the car while on patrol.

“It was my old car, so it’s very well taken care of,” DeLuca said with a laugh as he showed volunteers the car for the first time.

Volunteers will receive training from the department on a number of tasks, including traffic direction and radio etiquette. DeLuca encourages volunteers to spend a few hours riding along with patrol officers to see them in action.

“We truly want you to understand the importance of law enforcement. You’re all being given responsibility above the normal citizen,” he said. “There’s no better way of learning.”

Helene Whittaker, president of the Community Watch Council, encouraged other volunteers to take advantage of the offer to ride along with officers.

“It was very enlightening to see how they perform. It’s very, very impressive,” she said.

DeLuca said the program will strengthen the town’s extensive community and neighborhood watch network. Volunteers already commit to walking and keeping an eye on their neighborhoods, which helps officers get a handle on what’s going on in the community, he said.

DeLuca said volunteer patrols likely will include property checks in areas where officers are watchng for copper thefts. The department increased patrols in Ocean Park after a seasonal homeowner reported copper pipes were stolen from his home.

Jo-Ann Tullis, vice president of the Community Watch Council, went through the department’s Citizens Police Academy and has been involved with neighborhood watch for years. As she stood near the new patrol car, she said she is excited about the opportunity to further assist the department and community.

“We’re the ones who are the eyes and ears of the police,” she said.

For his part, DeLuca said he is looking forward to working with volunteers and developing the program.

“I think this is a great opportunity for this community,” he said.

 Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.