More so than at any other time of the year, I reflect on things I am grateful for around
the holiday season. And each year, one of the many blessings I count is the
tremendous volunteer work performed by the Clarkstown Police Auxiliary Unit, an
organization dedicated to the preservation of the quality of life in Clarkstown. They're
always there to help us, and we now have an opportunity to help them. Due to a number
of retirements, the unit is in need of additional volunteers.
The organization’s primary function is to supplement the Clarkstown Police Department
in several key areas including the regulation of traffic, crowd control, protection of life
and property, and preservation of the peace. Members of the Auxiliary Police perform
several important duties in town. You’re most likely familiar with the assistance they
provide in assisting with traffic and crowd control at our community and school events.
While that is their most visible function, the Auxiliary officers do much more than what
most people see. They conduct residential house checks, assist with operation safe
shopper patrols in our commercial districts, and take part in Gate Night and Halloween
safety patrols. They are trained in CPR and the operation of Automated External
Defibrillator devices, along with other first aid and medical related skills.
The volunteer service of our auxiliary members allows the town’s police force to
maintain patrol work and better respond to more urgent matters. Their service also
provides the police force with the flexibility to cover more events simultaneously and has
a significant impact on our taxpayers by reducing the need for police overtime.
The Auxiliary officers are led and managed by a dedicated and professional auxiliary
police command staff. They maintain the professional standards of the unit staff and
coordinate details, conduct monthly meetings and coordinate annual in-service training.
In addition to the medical certifications listed earlier, regular training includes defensive
safety tactics, crime prevention, defensive driving, and traffic control.
And while the contributions of all the members of the Auxiliary force are greatly
appreciated, every year there is one member in particular whose individual service is
honored.
Volunteering with the Clarkstown Auxiliary Police offers a meaningful way to contribute
to your community, while gaining experience in public safety and law enforcement. If
you or anyone you know are interested in joining, please consider applying.
Candidates must have a strong desire for community service, be at least 21 years of
age, reside in Clarkstown, have a NYS Driver’s License, have no criminal background,
and must complete a physical exam at an assigned medical agency. Anyone interested
can start the process for appointment by calling (845) 639-5887.
