Auxiliary police
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 |
The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page. |
Auxiliary police (also called special police or special constables) are usually the part-time reserves of a regular police force. They may be armed or unarmed. They may be unpaid volunteers or paid members of the police service with which they are affiliated.
In some jurisdictions, auxiliary police have police powers only during an emergency. During regular operations they may be trained to carry out their duties with powers of citizen's arrest— the same power as any other civilian.
Contents |
[edit] Canada
In Canada, many police forces utilize the services of auxiliary police. Under various provincial policing legislation and the RCMP Act, the role of auxiliary police is to assist regular, or sworn, police constables in the execution of their duties, as well as to provide assistance in community policing
Auxiliary police in Canada wear uniforms similar to regular force constables, however, most wear the word "auxiliary" on a rocker panel under the force's crest on each arm, and general wear a red and black checkered head band on their service caps to distinguish them from full time police. Also, auxiliary police officers are usually unarmed, but are trained in firearms. They may, depeding on legislations and policies, carry a baton and handcuffs while on duty.
Auxiliary officers are often called upon to assist in such things as large scale searches for missing persons, to provide crowd control at large scale events, and often accompany regular force police officers on daily patrols.
[edit] Hungary
The Hungarian term for auxiliary is called "Polgárőrség" which can be translated as "Civil Guard" and the formal English name of this organisation is "Nationwide Civil Self-Defense Organizations" - short Hungarian name is OPSZ. This organization includes uniformed and unarmed civilians who take part in police work in various fields such as: Neighbourhood watch, Regular patrol with marked cars, Youth crime prevention units, Automatic number plate recognition unit (ANPR hardware installed in patrol car or ANPR software installed in PDA which name's Matrix-Police).
The Hungarian Auxiliary Police was established in 1989 but the act dispose of it pursuant to provisions of the act 52 of Hungarian Parliament in 2006 and is composed of civic-minded residents of the community who work together to improve the level of safety and security in their community. The presence of the Auxiliary Police, in uniform, on patrol in marked police units has been proven to reduce vandalism and other crimes in the community.
Is currently made up of 90,000s volunteer members.
In the capital city of Hungary is works a "Civil Self-Defense Organizations of Budapest (and suburbia)" - short Hungarian name is BPSZ. Members are assigned to 62 local community units and patrol in marked vehicles helping to make their community a safer place to live. They help prevent criminal activity by being the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department. This organisation (BPSZ) member of the OPSZ.
[edit] Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (HKAPF, traditional Chinese: 香港輔助警察隊), established in 1914, provides additional manpower to the Hong Kong Police Force during emergencies and other incidents.They are paid hourly-wages and had similar duties to their full-time colleagues. The HKAPF reports to the Commissioner of Police. From 1969 to 1997, the HKAPF was known as the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force (RHKAPF).[[1]]
[edit] Israel
The Israeli term for auxiliary is called "Mishmar Ezrachi"[2] which can be translated as "Civil Guard". This organization includes, uniformed and non-uniformed civilians who take part in police work in various fields such as: Neighbourhood watch, Regular patrol with marked cars, Traffic city police, Highway police, Bomb squad assistants, Youth crime prevention unit, Police coast guard, Sniper units, Border patrol and Police diving unit. This Auxiliary force is vital to keep the regular missions of the Israeli Police running, because of the nature of life in Israel,containing of many anti terrorist, and bomb threat missions.
[edit] Malaysia
In Malaysia, auxiliary police refers to sworn security police officers serving in autonomous government agencies such as the Malaysian Federal Reserve Bank (Bank Negara), the National Anti-Drug Agency (Agensi Anti-Dadah Kebangsaan - AADK), the Federal Land Development Agency (FELDA) and the Inland Revenue Board (Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri); and other institutions with semi-governmental interests. Such institutions include the National Savings Bank (Bank Simpanan Nasional - BSN), Malayan Railways Limited (Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad - KTMB), Post Malaysia Holdings Berhad (the national postal service), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (the largest Malaysian airport operator), the North-South Highway Project (Projek Lebuhraya Utara Selatan - PLUS), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (the national power service) and other similar strategic organizations.
Most of these organizations have already been privatized but are allowed to maintain an auxiliary police unit. Under special circumstances, auxiliary police units have also been established by private companies with no government interests at all such as the force maintained by Resorts World Berhad (RWB), the company that operates the popular resort and casino at Genting Highlands.
They are not attached per se to the Royal Malaysian Police, but are granted some police powers such as the power to carry out minor investigations or to make arrests within their area of jurisdiction. Some forces are also conferred the authority to issue traffic summonses (that are paid to the Federal Government, not the issuing organization) for offences committed on their area of jurisdiction. While Malaysian auxiliary police officers are empowered to carry firearms, for this purpose they are subject to the same application and approval procedures as any other private company instead of being treated as part of the Royal Malaysian Police.
Malaysian auxiliary police uniforms have been traditionally different from those of the regular police, but a consolidation exercise by the Management Department of the Royal Malaysian Police Federal Headquarters (Bukit Aman) in 2004 has since authorised the use of regular police dress, insignia and other paraphernalia for sworn auxiliary police officers. The only differences are the unit patches (worn by auxiliary police officers only, sewn on the left sleeve), the shoulder title (which says "Polis Bantuan" or Auxiliary Police, instead of "Polis Diraja" or Royal Police) and the service number (worn by junior police officers of Sergeant Major rank and below, just above the right breast pocket; auxiliary police numbers begin with the letters 'PB' whereas regular officers numbers do not contain any letters.)
Under Malaysian law, auxiliary police officers are obliged to serve voluntarily and are therefore not paid by the Government. As such, they are designated full-time employees of the departments or corporations they serve and are remunerated on a different scale than regular police officers.
Under the Police Act of 1967 (Revised 1988) (Act 344), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), with the consent of the Minister in charge of police affairs and the King, may appoint any person to hold honorary auxiliary police ranks to the level of Superintendent of Police and below, and to establish their areas of jurisdiction.
[edit] Mexico City
Auxiliary police are Security police who work for the SSP and provide protection to government buildings, airports, etc. They do not protect banks or other financial institutions as these are protected by the Banking Police (Bancarios)
[edit] Singapore
In Singapore, auxiliary police are actually company police which refers to private companies accorded the right to offer armed or unarmed security services to paying clients (as opposed to regular security companies, which offer unarmed services only), which may be governmental or private companies, organisations, or individuals. These armed auxiliary police officers are full-time paid employees of their respective companies, and are not directly affiliated to the Singapore Police Force, although they do take training courses provided by the Singapore Police Force in collaboration with the security companies, and have the privilege of using some recreational facilities and other facilities provided for regular officers.
The first auxiliary police force to be established was the Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation, which evolved as a statutory board from the Singapore Police Force's Guard and Escort Unit in 1972. It held a monopoly in much of the private armed security market, except in specific installations such as the airports and seaports, where the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and the (former) Port of Singapore Authority managed their own armed security requirements.
In the mid-2000s, the industry was liberalised, and the Commercial and Industrial Security Corporation was corporatised as Certis CISCO, and licenses given to establish similar competing companies. Companies such as Aetos Security Management and SATS Security Services were thus established. The Singapore Police Force established the Security Industry Regulatory Department to regulate the industry.
[edit] Sweden
The Swedish Auxiliary Police, Beredskapspolisen, is to be used only during state of emergency. The auxiliary police officers are recruited among people who has completed their conscription period with excellent marks. They are put in groups with the head of the group being an officer of the regular police force. The uniforms are similar to the regular police with the exception of the Beredskapspolis not having retro reflector items and the shield does not have the royal arm of Sweden in front of the police insignia. The auxiliary police did not initially carry pistols, but only used the Carl Gustaf A5P (a type of submachine gun) which is used by the regular police in alerted situations.
[edit] United States
[edit] Florida
Formed in 1957, the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary is an armed, professionally trained, all volunteer law enforcement organization dedicated to providing direct assistance and operational support to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Responsible for promoting public safety for the citizens of and the visitors to the State of Florida, Auxiliary Troopers have assisted the Florida Highway Patrol in the performance of its daily duties which include: 1) Patrolling the streets and highways of the state; 2) Providing timely assistance to disabled motorists; 3) Participating in vehicle equipment and license checkpoints; 4) Operating the Florida Highway Patrol Breath Alcohol Testing Unit (BAT mobile); 5) Participating in specialized details; and 6) Responding to natural disasters and other emergency situations.
Auxiliary Trooper candidates must undergo a rigorous hiring process and training similar to a full time state trooper.
The Auxiliary is fully equipped (handguns, body armor, etc.) in the same manner as regular State Troopers. Initially, they ride with a trooper to provide “second officer” backup. After additional experience and training, they may be approved for “Limited Scope Patrol” (L.S.P.). L.S.P. certified officers patrol solo in a fully marked police car to provide assistance to motorists and troopers. All Auxiliary Troopers have the authority to bear arms and the power to arrest violators while under the direct supervision of a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper.
[edit] Portsmouth, VA
The Portsmouth Police Department Auxiliary Police Unit originated from the Civil Defense Auxiliary Police which was formed during World War II. The program remained under the control of the Civil Defense Organization until the early 1960's when, by an act of Portsmouth City Council, it was placed under the Division of Police.
The Portsmouth Auxiliary Police Unit is authorized up to 100 officers and is currently at 22 auxiliaries. The auxiliary is structured to match the regular police department in all aspects with the unit comprised of one auxiliary Captain, one auxiliary Lieutenant and one auxiliary Sergeant, who make up the line officers of the auxiliary, and the rest of the force in Uniform Patrol or in Specialized Units.
Entrance requirements mirror those of the regular department with the exception of the written Civil Service Exam and include: a thorough background investigation, physical exam, physical agility test and polygraph exam. Once accepted, applicants must attend the 640 hour auxiliary police academy that lasts approximately 10 months, with classes on three weeknights from 6 pm to 10 pm and some occasional Saturdays and Sundays. After graduation from the academy, auxiliary officers must ride with an FTO (Field Training Officer) for 300 or more hours to have their final FTO Cycle sign-offs completed. Once completed, the auxiliary officer is DCJS Certified (Department of Criminal Justice Services) as a Law Enforcement Officer and may then ride alone. After one year in Uniform Patrol, auxiliary officers may also apply for transfers to other specialty units, as requested, within the department. Along with supporting regular uniform patrol duties, seven auxiliary officers have collateral duties in Specialized Units. Four are assigned to the Detective Bureau as Investigators; one is assigned to the Narcotics Squad; one is a School Resource Officer volunteering over one hundred hours per month and one is assigned to the Strategic Traffic Unit as an investigator.
Auxiliary officers wear the same uniform as regular officers. Officers must work a minimum of 24 hours per month or a total of 72 hours per quarter and must also attend DCJS re-certification training every two years consisting of 40 hours of in-service training. Officers must also re-qualify on the firing range twice per year and must re-certify annually in defensive tactics.
From January 1991 to the end of December 2006, the officers of the Portsmouth Police Auxiliary Unit worked approximately 155,331 volunteer hours serving their community. The Auxiliary Police Unit has earned the President’s Volunteer Service Award, Gold Level, for the third year in a row.
For more information contact the Auxiliary Bureau Unit Commander via this link: http://www.portsmouthpd.org/aux_police.htm
[edit] New York City
The New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police is a division of the Patrol Services Bureau. It comprises unpaid and unarmed (except for a nightstick) trained volunteer officers who primarily patrol via foot, police car and bicycle to assist as the "eyes and ears" of the NYPD, reporting crimes to central dispatchers, who then relay the information to NYPD police officers. Auxiliary Police Officers also assist with crowd control and vehicle direction at accident scenes,fires and disaster areas. Auxiliary Police Officers undergo part time peace officer(without Firearms )training mandated by the NYS Municipal Police Training Council and are authorized to carry Police Batons and handcuffs once they pass training. They must also complete annual use of force (nightstick), EEO and handcuffing refreshers as required by New York State. According to the NYS Division Of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) NYC Auxiliary Police officers are "limited function peace officers" and are registered with the NYS registry of Peace Officers.
For more info see their webpage http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/careers/auxiliary_police.shtml
[edit] Nassau County, Long Island, New York
Nassau County Auxiliary Police is a unit of the Nassau County Police Department's Community Safety Unit / Auxiliary Police Section. Members are assigned to 1 of 38 local community units and patrol in marked vehicles helping to make their community a safer place to live. They help prevent criminal activity by being the "eyes and ears" of the Police Department. They direct traffic at parades and special events. Their main mission is to mitigate against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from an emergency. The Auxiliary Police was established pursuant to provisions of the NYS Defense Emergency act of 1951 and is composed of civic-minded residents of the community who work together to improve the level of safety and security in their community. The presence of the Auxiliary Police, in uniform,on patrol in marked police units has been proven to reduce vandalism and other crimes in the community. The auxiliary police officers must attend and complete a 24 week basic training course which is taught by state certified police academy instructors at the Nassau County Police Academy in Massapequa Park, NY. To keep members updated each member must attend in service training which is conducted when required. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training at the Nassau Police/Fire Academy is available to all members after certain criteria is met. All graduates of the 24 week course are certified part time peace officers by the New York State Bureau for Municipal Police.
Training includes: Peace Officer powers,New York State Penal Law,Hazardous Materials Awareness,Baton Training Blood-Borne Pathogens, Basic First Aid/CPR, Traffic and Pedestrian Control, and Response to Critical Incidents
Although auxiliary police officers may not carry firearms in Nassau County, they do carry handcuffs, police batons and will soon be issued soft body armor. Any member who is interested in being considered for promotions must attend and complete a supervisors course at the police academy. Students enrolled as criminal justice majors may be eligible for college credits for participation in the auxiliary police program.
For more info see their webpage http://www.nassaucountyauxiliarypolice.org
[edit] Hazlet Township, New Jersey
In time of emergency or disaster, Hazlet, New Jersey maintains an active volunteer, highly trained and certified Auxiliary police unit that assist the regular Township police force in time of need. Activities on a weekly basis include community policing under the direction of the township's police department and traffic control at emergency situations, fires, car accidents and searches. Also the bike patrol covers Natco Park, Veteran's Park and The Henry Hudson Trail.
[edit] Sayreville, New Jersey
In 1941 under the civil defense act, Sayreville, New Jersey started what has evolved into today's Auxiliary Police. While on duty, all members of the Sayreville Auxiliary police shall have the power to enforce all laws in the borough of Sayreville and the State of New Jersey.
Training includes: New Jersey State criminal law, court systems, traffic control, patrol function, crowd control, incident command, search & seizure, blood-borne pathogens, first responder Haz-Mat, CPR / First aid, hand cuffing, baton defense.
Although auxiliary police officers may not carry firearms in Sayreville, they do carry handcuffs, PR-24 / stright baton, OC Spray and a police radio.
The Auxiliary police are seen though the town doing numerous jobs from simple patrols to various borough events. They are the volunteers that are out there crossing citizens at church and providing protection at carnivals and celebrations such as the 4th of July and parades. The Sayreville Auxiliary police are a group of individuals whose sole propose is to serve by volunteering countless unseen hours for the greater good of the community.
[edit] Metuchen, New Jersey
The Metuchen Auxiliary Police Department is a group of people that serves the borough of Metuchen by volunteering countless unseen hours for the greater good of the community
While on duty all members of the Auxiliary Police have powers to enforce laws in the borough of Metuchen. The Auxiliary Police do not carry firearms. They do carry other items such as handcuffs, expandable batons (night stick), OC Spray (mace), EMS gloves, and a police radio. All members are also trained in self defensive tactics for their safety. They are also trained in CPR / AED. Other assignments of the Auxiliary Police are to work with the Police Department to: Reduce hazards, Patrol (car patrol with other Auxiliary members or Regular Officers of the Metuchen Police Dept.), Assist in emergency or disastrous situations, Traffic control, Crowd control, Emergency call-outs, Road closures, First Aid /CPR, Court Room security, Also to provide services deemed necessary by the Chief of Police
This is all in an effort to enhance the quality of life for the citizens, visitors, and businesses of the community. http://www.metuchennj.org/police_auxiliary.html
[edit] Historical auxiliary police units
[edit] Ireland
- Royal Ulster Constabulary Reserve
- Ulster Special Constabulary
- Black and Tans, Ireland
- Auxiliary Division, Ireland
[edit] See also
- Special Constabulary, British police forces
- Police Service of Northern Ireland Reserve
- Canadian Police Auxiliary Constable
- Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
- SATS Security Services, Singapore
- Aetos Security Management Private Limited, Singapore
- Certis CISCO, Singapore
- Newton, MA Auxiliary Police
- New York City Police Department Auxiliary Police
- Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Reserves, Los Angeles
[edit] External links
- Baltimore County Auxiliary Police, Maryland
- Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary
- Toronto Police Auxiliary
- Winthrop Auxiliary Police Department
- Walnut Creek, California Police Reserves
- Chesterfield County Virginia Auxiliary Police
- Somerville, Mass Auxiliary Police Department
- Framingham Auxiliary Police
- Reserve Police Officers Association (RPOA)
- University of Maryland Police Auxiliary
- Union Township Auxiliary Police
- Sayreville, NJ Auxiliary Police
- Nassau County Auxiliary Police
- Portsmouth Police Department Auxiliary Police Unit Portsmouth VA
- New York State Association of Auxiliary Police
- OPSZ - Nationwide Civil Self-Defense Organizations of Hungary
- BPSZ - Civil Self-Defense Organizations of Budapest
- Matrix Police Auxiliary Police Organization of Hungary
- Polgárőrség Szentendre (Auxiliary Police of Szentendre) - Civil Self Defense Organization of Szentendre City, Hungary
- Website of Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force
