The Auxiliary Police Unit

The use of citizen volunteers is explored as a practical means of augmenting police manpower deficiencies. The over-all format of the book has been devised to systematize appraisal of the local situation-then to devise a workable method for the jurisdiction involved. Every facet considered is of interest to the functional unit or the administrator planning such an organization. By application of these suggestions, field tested with success, the administrator may easily and logically satisfy a community lack of serious consequence. Wide diversity of unit type and objective is outlined to give the interested manager a guide by which he can govern future planning activities. Photographs and illustrations provide visual proof that such work can be successful, satisfying, and of material value to the community as a whole. Disadvantages as well as advantages are presented in a completely impartial manner. Dangers and pitfalls are described in terms that are easily understood and applied in practice.

Martin Alan Greenberg explores the origins of the two major types of citizen volunteer police--auxiliary and reserve--and examines the history and current practices of volunteer policing. The heart of the book deals with the history of New York City's volunteer police and the inner workings of the New York City Auxiliary Police, a subject the author knows intimately from his twelve years' experience as a participant-observer. Greenberg analyzes and evaluates current issues in volunteer policing. Based on his findings, he projects increased community involvement in volunteer police forces.

Reductions in police department funding have raised the importance of volunteers in enhancing organizational performance, improving community trust and confidence, and at times accomplishing basic tasks to maintain public safety and security. During a period when police administrators are asked to do more with less, and to engage in smarter, community-oriented policing, citizen volunteers are an invaluable resource. Police Reserves and Volunteers is an invaluable primer for those looking to understand the benefits and challenges involved in the use of the volunteers within global law enforcement agencies. Using cases from a range of specialists and precincts, this edited volume provides a rare window into police administration from the state legislation that regulates police reserves in California to the local models observed in many counties and cities across the United States. Police Reserves and Volunteers offers volunteers, local elected officials, and law enforcement straightforward guidelines to enhance police goals and build public trust in local communities.

Today, it is estimated there are over 200,000 volunteers in police work throughout the United States. Although the need for such volunteers has never been greater, there is a lack of published materials regarding the nature of volunteer police work and how qualified citizens may augment police services. American Volunteer Police: Mobilizing for Sec