Volunteer safety force will benefit everyone
When it was suggested many months ago that McMinnville police officers might not be able to direct traffic after Sunday church services, or lead the way during funeral processions, there was cause for concern.
In small-town America, these are long-standing services we expect from our police officers, although they are far from a primary responsibility. Directing traffic falls way down the list of priorities when we have a woman who fought off a rapist in her own home and another who had her throat slashed with a knife.
That’s why the concept of a volunteer safety force is so appealing. Under tentative plans, regular civilians would receive some public safety training and be able to handle light police duties.
This will allow two things to happen. First, it will permit our city officers to devote their valuable time to protecting our streets, which is their most vital job. And second, it will allow community-minded individuals to help make McMinnville a safer place to live.
The volunteer safety officers could be used in many situations. This includes security at the Civic Center ball parks or patrolling the Barren Fork Greenway, to name two examples. Safety officers could make an impact in the form of a funeral escort – a tradition virtually everyone is interested in keeping.
Another perk is the fact a federal grant will help deflect some of the start-up costs so the city of McMinnville doesn’t have to pass all the expenses of this program to the taxpayers. Of the $48,000 grant McMinnville was awarded, the federal government will contribute 75 percent of it, or $36,000. McMinnville is expected to pay $12,000.
It’s also important to note that these volunteers will be providing a great deal of support, but they won’t receive full police powers. For anyone concerned the volunteers might be inclined to abuse their power, they won’t be able to carry a weapon and they won’t be allowed to arrest people or issue citations.
Mayor Royce Davenport describes the volunteers as being extra eyes and ears for the police force. These are people who will be out walking or riding around the community with an eye out for trouble. They will be able to quickly call an officer to the scene if needed.
The program is a winning combination for everyone involved. It will ease the burden on city officers and it will be a tiny step toward making McMinnville a bit safer.
When considering the federal government is absorbing much of the cost, there’s no reason not to get this volunteer police force under way.