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Councilmembers ask staff to explore reestablishing citizens patrol to aid police workload
Summary
Councilmembers discussed the possibility of reviving a citizens patrol program to assist with noninvestigative tasks and reduce police workload; city manager was asked to consult with Chief Robinson and report back.
Several councilmembers raised the idea of reestablishing a citizens patrol program—previously active in the 1990s and early 2000s—to help police with noninvestigative tasks such as traffic control at crashes, disabled‑motorist assist and other low‑risk duties.
The conversation occurred during council member remarks. One councilmember asked the city manager to consult with Chief Robinson about whether a citizen patrol could be reimplemented and what budget or training requirements would apply. "Could you reach out with Chief Robinson about seeing if we could possibly get that reimplemented to kind of take a little bit of burden," the councilmember said.
Other members noted neighboring jurisdictions use volunteers for crash‑scene assistance and public‑safety support; no formal motion was made and no funding decision was taken at the meeting. The manager and staff were asked to gather information on how the program operated in the past, what liabilities or insurance would be required, training needs and whether current budgets could support a revival.
This item was a direction/request for staff follow‑up rather than a policy decision; staff will return with information if available at a future meeting.
