Citizens on Patrol
THE C.O.P.S. CALLER
Volume 4, Issue 5
Special points
of interest:
RSO Citizens Academy
Traffic Control
My First Day
COPS Recognition
PS Citizens Academy
May 2012
RSO Citizens Academy
Several Palm Desert COPS members received their share of awards and
certificates this spring. Those members that attended the Riverside
County Sheriff’s Department’s Citizens Academy were issued three separate Recognition Certificates for completing 40 hours of instruction in
the area of law enforcement specific to the Riverside County Sheriff’s
Department. Every Saturday one or two different sections were scheduled and taught by experts in that field. It was continually stressed how
we are perceived as an extension of law enforcement and expected, by
the public, to be knowledgeable and professional in all that we do. If any
of you have the opportunity to attend this academy, I highly recommend
that you DO.
Volunteer Recognition
Patrol Hours
New Van in Service
COPS Member Al Schroeder
receiving his certificate from
Assemblyman Brian Nestande.
Assemblyman Brian Nestande stands with some of
the officers that presented the classes. They are
preparing to pass out certificates to those that
completed the RSO Citizens Academy.
May
MEETING
Tuesday,
5-8-12
9:00 AM
Administrative
Conference
Room
Palm Desert COPS vehicles on display at the RSO
Citizens Academy graduation at COD.
COPS Member Mary Lasorsa with
Palm Desert Police Captain Kevin
Vest.
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Report from Community Services Officer Stacey Austin
TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING PRESENTED BY
PALM DESERT POLICE TRAFFIC OFFICER KYLE LAFOND
Following the monthly COPS meeting in April, Deputy Kyle LaFond with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
gave a presentation regarding traffic control.
Deputy LaFond stressed the importance of always wearing a reflector vest when conducting traffic control, whether
it’s day or night. You may see the vehicles coming, but there are no guarantees that the driver’s of those vehicles
see you. You want to remain as highly visible as possible to avoid being struck out there. Remember, safety is the
number one concern.
When directing traffic in an intersection, have a partner if possible, and stop all vehicles first. You want to establish
dominance of the intersection. Once all traffic lanes are stopped, you may proceed in directing traffic. Have good
communication with your partner. Only one person should be calling the commands or else it will get too confusing.
Make eye contact with drivers and don’t turn your back on vehicles.
When using traffic cones, use them all! Taper the cone patterns. The longer the pattern the better, because it gives
driver’s time to react. When placing the cone pattern, start from the point closest to the curb and furthest away from
the incident. When picking up cones, start from the location closest to the incident, so you never have to turn you
back on traffic. Stay inside the cone pattern when placing and picking up cones, as well as directing traffic. If someone runs through your cone pattern, don’t chase after them, just let them go.
Remember: Always Be SAFE!!
MY FIRST DAY BY COPS MEMBER DONNA WYATT
It was with great anticipation that I started out today. After 8 hours of sheriff patrol, 20 hours of COPS patrol,
driver training, finger-printing, uniform ordering, picture taking, and forms filling out I was finally going out on
patrol with my partner and spouse, Dan. I had plans of walking El Paseo on foot patrol in my new uniform; however, an hour before my scheduled shift Lt. Earle called me with a special assignment. It seems the city of Palm
Desert had just completed a concrete repair project at Freedom Park and requested COPS to monitor it to prevent
anyone from making their “mark” on the new concrete. So Dan and I dutifully went to the park to watch cement
dry. While there I spotted gang graffiti on some playground equipment and called it in ( I knew it was gang related from my many years as an L.A. City school administrator). After a half hour of cement watching Lt. Earle
arrived to inspect it and determined it was dry and we could continue our patrol.
We then promptly headed for El Paseo but heard a radio call that there was a multiple traffic collision at California and Michigan. We immediately reversed course and headed for the scene. Upon arriving we observed police,
fire and ambulances and spectators. We set up traffic cones, directed traffic, consulted with the officers and gave
water to those involved. When the police released us we headed to El Paseo for my much longed-for foot patrol.
On our way there we heard a radio call about a multiple traffic accident in the median at Monterey and Hovely.
Once again we diverted course to respond. This time we were the first on the scene so we set up in the median
with the light bar flashing and awaited the arrival of the officers. They told us to remain as we were effectively
slowing down the traffic on Monterey. After 40 minutes the tow trucks had hauled away the vehicles and we were
on our way.
As we were approaching El Paseo we heard a radio call that a motor officer had seen us and requested that we go
to his location. We did and found that he was in great need of water (it was a very hot day). We gave him our last
two bottles and then headed for El Paseo.
Too late for a foot patrol, we did get to cruise the area and then returned to the office. After checking out we found
a set of COPS keys in the driveway. We called Lt. Earle and he gave us instructions on what to do. When I got
home I checked my email and found an unexpected, but appreciated , email from Amy relaying a compliment from
the officers we helped today.
All-in-all, ,it was a very busy shift. The lesson I learned on my first day was to always monitor the radio. We
helped the city and citizens today. My El Paseo walk will be for another day.
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LEFT: COPS Member Carol Pruter receiving recognition for her assistance
with finding a lost boy on a hiking trail.
Member Mary Lasorsa was honored the
same day for receiving a commendation
from the Police Department for her exemplary assistance with traffic control.
COPS Sgt. Jeanne Foster and Member
Mary Lasorsa on Patrol in the new
van. The new COPS van’s first time
out and its already seeing action.
Graduates of the Palm Springs Citizens Police
Academy—from left to right, Dan Wyatt, Lori Richerson, Renee Standhardt, Carole Schaudt, Jim Profeta, Diana
Thau, and Joe Karlowitsch
On April 10, 2012, seven new members of the Palm Desert
COPS Program graduated from the 13 week Palm Springs
Citizens Police Academy. Certificates of Completion were presented to each member by Palm Springs Chief of Police Alberto Franz and Program Director Sergeant Kyle Stjerne. A
post-graduation reception was hosted by the Palm Springs Police Department at Margaritas Mexican Restaurant.
Sent in by COPS Member Jim Profeta—I attended the Palm
Springs Police Academy. The 13 week course which was both
fulfilling and rewarding. I have learned so much about the
inning workings of the police and why they do the things they
do. It was so informative. I really hated it to end. I recommended it for all cops to attend. I have to thank our officers
for giving me the chance to be part of the academy.
ABOVE: Lt. Earle Wolfe and Capt. Saul
Roisentul presenting recently promoted
Lieutenant Misty Reynolds with a token
of appreciation for her time and
dedication in making the Palm Desert
COPS Program a success. We look
forward to working with Sergeant Mike
Bianco as the new Palm Desert Police Department’s Liaison to the COPS Program.
College of the Desert’s Public Safety
Academy graduation is Thursday,
May 24, 2012, at the McCallum
Theater. Cadets will line up out front
for inspection and then file into the
theater for the ceremony. The event
usually starts around 4:00 p.m.; if you
wish to see all the pomp, arrive
around that time. After they enter the
theater you are finished or you can go
in and see the presentation of awards.
The Editor wishes to thank all of
the COPS members that submitted articles and photos for this
publication. It makes my efforts
much more enjoyable, AND, it
makes for a more interesting
newsletter. THANK YOU!
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C.O.P.S.Volunteer Hours Report for the Year
Month
Hours
Jan.
833.75
Feb.
Cum. Hours*
# COPS
833.75
32
828
1661.75
34
Mar.
1127
2788.75
37
April
855.5
3644.25
33
3644.25 hours X $17.55/hr. = $63,956.59
Volunteer Recognition Ceremony
On Friday, April, 13, 2012, the City of
Palm Desert recognized those volunteers
that served the City in 2011. Volunteer
groups included the Palm Desert Citizens
on Patrol, the Palm Desert Library volunteers, Public Art Docents, and Visitors
Center volunteers. Certificates were
presented by the Mayor and City Manager
and a small reception with light
refreshments was held after the ceremony.
Some Photos from the Riverside County Sheriff’s
Department’s Citizens Academy
The March 31 session
was on Traffic Control.
Our SUV was used to show
a stocked vehicle read to go.
Mary Lasorsa made a creative
contribution to the RSO Citizens Academy
COPS
Members
Joe
Karlowitsch and Don Hein
taking a break. Other groups
in attendance were from
Mission Hills, Sky Valley and
Coachella just to name a few.
CITIZENS ON PATROL
“EYES AND EARS”
OF THE CITY
Citizens on Patrol
74-833 Joni Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
Phone: 760-862-9848
Admin: 760 346-0611 ext.425
Practicing the Heimlich Maneuver during the
First Aid / CPR class at the RSO Citizens Academy.