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Council reconsiders citizens‑on‑patrol; members suggest partnering with Stebbins High School program
Summary
Police and legal staff outlined liability, training and cost concerns about restarting a Citizens on Patrol program; several council members proposed a school partnership with Stebbins High School’s criminal justice/career‑technical program as a lower‑risk alternative.
Riverside Police Chief Robinson and Law Director Jim (title in meeting: Law Director) briefed council on the benefits and legal risks of reinstating a Citizens on Patrol (COP) volunteer program during the June 16 meeting, and councilors discussed a narrower, school‑based partnership as a safer, more cost‑effective option.
Chief Robinson reviewed past local experience with COP programs and examples from nearby jurisdictions, noting volunteers are non‑sworn, require training and cannot perform police powers such as pursuits. He described operational tasks volunteers commonly perform — traffic control at accidents, special events,…
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