The primary function of the Community Action Patrol (CAP) is to patrol the streets of Temecula, acting as the “eyes and ears” of the Temecula Police Department. The City of Temecula sponsors approximately fifteen special events each year, all of which the CAP volunteers are involved in. Other Community Action Patrol assignments include surveillance details, anti-graffiti suppression programs, business checks, vacation home checks, school route patrols, and crime scene security. The volunteers may also be called out after hours to assist in major accidents of any kind.
Requirements for membership in the Community Action Patrol are: be at least 22-years-old, possess a valid California driver’s license, be physically capable of performing CAP duties. Individuals must complete a 40-hour Citizens Academy, a certificated CPR and First Aid course, and a 4-hour driving evaluation course, all presented by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at Ben Clark Public Safety Training Center. In addition, 40 hours of Logistics training is provided at the Temecula Police Department, conducted by volunteer Community Action Patrol staff members and sworn police officers. Applicants must also be willing to contribute at least 16 hours of their time per month to the program and attend a minimum of eight monthly meetings per year.
Any interested parties wishing to volunteer, please call Sergeant Terry Scanlon at 951-696-3479 or send an e-mail to tscanlon@riversidesheriff.org for application information.