Goal
The enhancement of law enforcement services in any county is an important goal. With that goal in mind, the concept of a volunteer patrol grew from an idea to include concerned civilians in their community with the assistance of the Sheriff’s Department.
Description
The program consists of a core group of volunteers who are sponsored by the City of Westlake Village and are trained by the Malibu / Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. The City provides a marked vehicle, uniforms, and specialized equipment, and the program volunteers perform a variety of services which include the patrol of neighborhoods and shopping centers, patrol checks of businesses, home vacation checks, and related civilian requests.
Requirements
The minimum requirements for a volunteer candidate include being an adult resident of Westlake Village, passing an oral interview and background check, participating in training classes and continued training programs, meeting driving standards, attending regular meetings, and keeping statistical information. All volunteers are required to wear a Sheriff’s Department volunteer uniform.
Duties
Volunteer patrol members are not police and will not take direct police action. The patrol members are the eyes and ears of the Sheriff’s Department and report suspicious activities to the department. The volunteer patrol members serve as a mobile neighborhood watch for the community. Interested citizens can contact Deputy Baldi with the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station at 818-878-1808 for more information.