Civilians as volunteer police

A newly pre-filed bill creates a civilian volunteer police reserve that would supplement the resources of the Department of Public Safety in times of crisis and to provide other services such as directing road traffic during funerals, Fourth of July Parades, sports events such as Xterra and Tagaman so that regular police would devote their time on other public services such as patrol and investigation.

Rep. Joseph Palacios (R-Saipan) said in an interview yesterday that his House Bill 17-304 was prompted by what he heard from DPS officials during last week’s hearing on their fiscal year 2013 budget, specifically about high overtime costs because of a lack of manpower.

“With this bill, regular DPS police be supplemented by civilians to do other duties such as directing traffic on the road when there are marathons and parades. Mainly on traffic control. With limited resources and increased demand for its services, DPS can still provide these services,” Palacios told Saipan Tribune.

Palacios said civilian volunteers will not be allowed to carry firearms but they will be able to wear uniforms and receive training from DPS and the CNMI Office of Homeland Security.

He said his bill would allow DPS to maintain its services with minimum costs.

Palacios, who has been a strong advocate of leaner and a more efficient government, said HB 17-304 or the Civilian Volunteer Police Reserve Act of 2012, would result in “cost savings, increased human resources and the development of a qualified, trained applicant pool.”

He said police-community relations can also improve with this proposal.

Under the bill, the Civilian Volunteer Police Reserve will be created within DPS and shall be headed by the DPS commissioner.

“The general functions and duties of the Civilian Volunteer Police Reserve shall be to provide backup manpower for the suppression of crime, preservation of law and order, fight and control fires and to assist in civil emergencies,” the bill states.

Volunteers will be given allowance. Palacios said each civilian volunteer police who successfully completes probationary requirements and who contributes a minimum of 40 hours per month will receive an allowance of $250 a month, to defray the cost of maintenance of their equipment and uniforms.

DPS shall identify funds within the department to satisfy this.

Palacios said this allowance would still be minimal compared to what DPS might incur in overtime costs to provide all the services demanded of it.

Resident Herminia Fusco said she supports proposals to save government funds but increasing efficiency, but added that this new bill has to be thoroughly reviewed before passage.

“There’s no reason for residents not to help out in times of needs. It’s our civic duty. But this has to be reviewed,” she added.