Carol Toler of the Advocate has reported that Dallas Police will be accepting volunteers to train as community watchmen; the program is called Volunteers in Patrol and will begin training this fall. Participants have the option of taking a one-time, all-day class (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) on September 10 or three evening classes on November 7, 8, and 10 from 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.

According to the Dallas Police website, Volunteers in Patrol is designed to reduce crime by having citizens patrol their own neighborhoods and reporting any suspicious or criminal activity to the police. Other volunteer programs include CHIPS (Citizens Helping in Parking Solutions) and COPS (Citizens Offering Police Support).

Not everyone can sign up to be a volunteer. There are a strict set of conditions that all volunteers must have:

• Have not had any felony convictions
• Have not had any misdemeanor A or B convictions in the last five (5) years or
• DWI conviction in the last (10 years)
• Agree to and pass a criminal history check
• Must sign a liability waiver
• Complete all required training successfully
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must have a valid drivers license
• Must by a member of an establish crime watch or homeowners group
• Must not have any outstanding warrants or tickets

For more information, visit the Dallas Police website.