This program is comprised of citizen volunteers residing in the Big Bear Valley under the direction of the Big Bear Sheriff's Station. Volunteers perform crime prevention duties such as vacation home checks, provide residential and business security checks when requested, conduct fingerprinting of children, participate in special events and assist in doing clerical work at the station. With the Citizen Volunteers' help, the Big Bear deputies are able to focus their full attention to the direct law enforcement functions.
The Citizen Patrol Volunteer program was established in Big Bear Valley in 1990; it has proven to be very successful. There are 50 active members in this Unit at this time.
As described in this brief introduction, the goals and objectives of the partnership are straightforward. This volunteer program has enhanced law enforcement services here in Big Bear and encouraged increased participation of its citizens in public safety. Our primary focus is conducting residential vacation home checks, extra patrols and looking for any vandalism, or graffiti throughout the Valley. While these volunteers are supervised by the Sheriff's Department, they have no enforcement authority. Their mission is to observe and report only.
The uniform consists of: a white uniform shirt with dark green pants, black shoes, black basket weave belt, gold name tag, patches, hat and a jacket. This uniform is provided by the volunteers.
Up to 50 hours of training which includes the structure of the citizen volunteer program, the city, the rules and conduct. Also, included is extensive training in each of the areas of interest in the volunteer program, such as how to conduct vacation home checks, residential and business survey checks, media relations, civil liabilities, traffic control, radio procedures, fingerprinting, and equipment training. Last but not least, two 8-hour sessions of CPR and First Aid.
Although the position provides no direct compensation, the
volunteers will be covered under Workers' Compensation. Liability
insurance is provided by the County of San Bernardino.
For more information on joining the Big Bear Citizen Patrol, contact the unit coordinator, Sheriff's Services Specialist Christine Bernal, at the Big Bear Sheriff's Station at (909) 866-0100 or (909) 866-0104.
