The Los Alamitos Police Department, for so long understaffed and underfunded, is apparently making a strong comeback as Chief of Police Michael Claborn introduced three new officers to the public at the April meeting of the city council.
In addition, the Chief announced last month that the department will also be strengthening its overall community engagement, announcing a “Volunteers in Policing” program similar to those already being utilized in Seal Beach, Cypress and other small cities.
“We’re proposing a volunteers and policing program,” Claborn told the Council, noting that VIP program “is a program that allows community members to offer their time and talents to the police department.”
Claborn noted that surrounding cities like Cypress and Seal Beach “have been utilizing volunteers for years” and that Los Al should do the same thing.
Better funded departments, like Cypress, said Claborn, require fewer volunteers but the Los Al PD staff could use community volunteers to play some important roles in keeping the community safe.
“Participants will play a key role in enhancing the police mission by assisting with things such as clerical duties which would be filing, shredding, ordering supplies, inventory and PD lobby reception,” the police chief said.
He said police volunteers could play a role in special events such as National Night Out, Fireworks Spectacular, Spring Carnival, Halloween, Winter Wonderland etc., vacation checks, checks for residents that are out of town and other duties such as car washes, errands, uniform center, print shop pickups and similar things.
“These civilian positions will not be placed in any unsecure scenes and will not be carrying weapons,” he added.
“People have to apply for the position … they will have to pass a oral exam, submit to a criminal background investigation, demonstrated desire to serve the public and applicants must be 18 at the time of appointment,” he told the Council.
In addition, “we’re going to require that they become a member of West County Search within one year of appointment,” said Claborn.
He said the commitment from the PD to the VIP is to provide training and support, provide guidance and feedback on their performance to respect the skills, needs and dignity of the volunteer and treat the volunteer as an equal co-worker jointly responsible for completing the mission of the police department. In addition to routine duties, they will also have training for EOC, our emergency operator operations center support staff and emergency shelter support and logistical field support as needed.
The Volunteers’ commitment to the police department is to perform the assigned duties of the position to adhere to the VIP program rules, policies and procedures, fulfill the minimum requirement of the program, which is ensuring that we’re in the authorized uniforms volunteering at least eight hours a month and two four hour shifts or one eight hour shift that the volunteers can assist up to 20 hours a week.
“They also have a vehicle that they have assigned to them. And if you remember the beginning of this, we had a black and white on there. We have plans should the program be implemented to have a vehicle be used. It would not be black and white, it would be white and we’ll come up with a separate logo specifically for volunteers so people would know that it’s not a police officer,” said Claborn.
The goal is to have the first shift start on July 1, Chief Claborn said, “although we will start with an application process which will begin soon (on city’s website).
Interested residents can get the application from the city’s website, www.cityoflosalamitos.com.
Claborn this month introduced three new officers to the growing Los Al Police Force before later swearing them in to their new positions.
“It is a joy to be able to add new members to the Los Alamitos Police Department to the tight-knit family we have here,” the police chief said.
Claborn introduced Capt. Luke South, a police executive with extensive experience. South joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 1996, said Claborn, was promoted to the rank of Sergeant before beginning patrol of the communities of Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point and Laguna Hills.
South later became a training executive before being promoted to Lieutenant and selected to oversee command of the central jail. He was later selected to revise all policies and procedures for the entire Sheriff’s Department having authority over a $9 million budget and 27 staff members. Eventually, South was promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned as a division commander of the Lacy Detention Facility, with 450 sworn staff members and more than 3200 inmates.
“We are very happy to have him,” said Claborn.
He also introduced Officer Joel Espinoza, who grew up in Stanton/Anaheim and became a police officer because “he wants to improve his community through his work as a law enforcement officer.”
Espinoza attended Whittier College, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Social Work. “He comes to us with an extensive background in asset protection,” the Chief noted.
Finally, Claborn introduced Officer Oscar Perez from San Jacinto, CA, who is a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration.
