Palm Desert Citizens On Patrol News

Palm Desert
Citizens Patrol

Successful Recruitment

The workshop on How to Recruit, Manage, Reward and Retain Police and Sheriff Volunteers, January 27-28, 2009 in Huntington Beach, California, was held at the Huntington Beach Police Department and presented by the Public Safety Volunteer Institute. Palm Desert C.O.P.S. in attendance were Lt C. Erik Baltzar and Sgt. Dennis Mulkey. Key topics discussed were Recruiting, the key to building any successful organization, Managing or working as a volunteer coordinator, Rewarding, not for dollars but with satisfaction and wanting to do more, and Retaining or keeping the “Volunteers for Life”, reducing turn over - the ultimate goal.

Volunteers play a vital role in “Community oriented policing”. The keys to success are to have support from above, and believe in and follow the basics. Volunteers need to feel valued. Good retention programs are a function of managing the group effectively, providing various forms of recognition and offering the volunteers rewarding job opportunities that match as many of their needs as possible.

The bottom line to volunteer retention and recognition is to operate a well-managed program. When the volunteer stops getting what they need from the program they will no longer be satisfied and go elsewhere. Train to retain your volunteers by offering them advanced training, rotating positions of responsibility, build team cohesiveness, give seniority perks and have fun.

2008 NACOP CONFERENCE

On September 6, 2008, eleven members of the Palm Desert COPS traveled to Chino Hills, CA to attend the National Association of Citizens on Patrol (NACOP) Conference. NACOP provides organizations with the same level of recognition, awareness, and respect as other public safety organizations. They strive to equip volunteers with the necessary skills to be professional and they educate COPS on how to better benefit the community. In addition, NACOP promotes the use of COPS to reduce crime and cost savings to communities. This organization continues to promote professionalism and efficiency within its ranks.

The conference was about “Selfless Service” and being the eyes and ears of the community. We listened to Col. Danny McKnight, retired U.S. Army Ranger, whose story was the basis for the book and movie “Black Hawk Down”. An RN spoke on how to protect yourself at an accident scene and Sgt. Darrell Hibbens talked on “Verbal Judo”. He emphasized we need to look good, sound good, and be good to reach people in order to reach people.

As a result of their participation in this national conference, the Palm Desert COPS Program received two awards; “Best in Show Volunteer Uniform” and “Third Runner-Up Best in Show Patrol Vehicle”.

COVE COMMISSION RECOGNITION

On June 23, 2008, both the COPS Captain, Saul Roisentul and the COPS City Staff Liaison, Frankie Riddle were recognized by the Cove Communities Services Commission for their roles “in organizing and supporting the Palm Desert Citizens on Patrol Services”. This Commission consists of six elected officials from three local jurisdictions (Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and Rancho Mirage), as well as top officials from both the local police and fire departments.

COPS CAPTAIN NAMED “VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR”

On April 19, 2008, COPS Captain, Saul Roisentul was awarded “Volunteer of the Year” at the City of Palm Desert’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner where he was recognized for his dedication, enthusiasm, and endless energy to promote and advance the Palm Desert COPS Program.