Volunteer COP

Mary A. Castillo

When Dave Connell volunteered as a Laguna Beach Police Department

Citizen on Patrol almost two years ago, he knew officers had a tough

job keeping the community’s streets safe. But what he didn’t know was

how difficult it really was.

“Officers have to be really heads-up kind of people,” he said.

“Just the technical aspects such as working the computer, radar and

communication equipment in the car while observing their surroundings

is like flying a fighter plane.”

As a patrol COP, Connell is one of the 22 volunteers who support

the department by conducting car and vacation home checks, writing

citations for handicapped parking violations, setting up the

speed-check radars and providing traffic or crowd control during

emergencies or special events.

“We’re a few more pairs of eyes and ears to help officers,”

Connell remarked. “When some people see you in a uniform, it causes

them to behave.”

Although patrol COPs may spot a dangerous driver or someone who is

acting suspiciously, they are not allowed to intervene. Armed with

radios, they notify officers who will arrive to investigate. But

mostly they’re contacted by visitors asking where the beach is, where

they can get change for the meters or where they can eat.

“Sometimes you start to feel like a tour guide,” he joked.

However, the COP program also provides opportunities for

volunteers who might not be physically up to the challenge of

patrolling the streets. Clerical COPs work in the station by

processing payments for traffic violations and in general, supporting

records staff.

All volunteers are interviewed and undergo a background check to

ensure that they do not have a criminal record or any outstanding

warrants. The training program includes the Citizen Police Academy

and a two-week session designed for COP volunteers. Each volunteer

donates 24 hours per month.

The ideal candidate, especially someone who wants to work patrol,

is someone who can keep a cool head, Connell said.

“You can’t be aggressive or assertive,” he said. “You need to have

the kind of personality that deals well with people.”

A resident of Laguna since 1964, Connell has started a second

career of sorts as a full-time volunteer. He is the commander of the

American Legion Post No. 222, while his wife, Diane, serves as

president of the Women’s Auxiliary. Earlier this year, Connell was

appointed an at-large commissioner to the Orange County Veteran’s

Advisory Council.

“The reward is the satisfaction for having done something for

people,” he said of his activities. “I think everyone should find

something that allows them to contribute in a different way.”

The COP volunteer program is open to adults ages 18 and up.

Volunteers also perform duties such as conducting residential or

commercial security inspections and neighborhood watch meetings. For

more information please call Nancy Taylor or Jean Lamphere at (949)

497-0367.

* MARY A. CASTILLO is a news assistant for the Coastline Pilot.

She covers education, public safety and City Hall.