Civilians handle minor duties for strapped police

[katty]

more: http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/20080331/a_civiliancops31.art.htm

Civilians handle minor duties for strapped police
Departments under budget burdens hire outside help
By Alan Gomez
USA TODAY

Facing tighter budgets, law enforcement agencies across the country are increasingly turning to civilians to respond to some calls that sworn officers and deputies are usually responsible for.

That means people calling 911 to report a traffic accident, a burglarized home or a stolen car may be greeted by a civilian in a polo shirt instead of a gun-toting officer.

"It hasn't been universally adopted throughout the country. But most areas have at least thought about the alternative and are more open to it now because of the economy," said Richard Brady, president of the Palo Alto, Calif.-based Matrix Consulting Group that has worked with more than 250 law enforcement agencies.

[MercutioATC]

1. We've had "Auxiliary Police" here in NE Ohio for decades...

...most of them don't even draw a salary, just a stipend. They're not used to handle the real police work, but they're great when numbers need to be temporarily increased for things like traffic control and big emergencies.

[katty]

2. that's good to know-glad it can work