Recently an article in the SF Chronicle, Sunday, July 25,
reported on how, because of tough economic times, even basic services must be
provided in new and different ways.

In The City, for example, there is a study underway to
determine the feasibility of taking what was once the domain of sworn police
officers and delegating those duties to trained citizens.

This is, an idea whose time may have come.

The article suggests that civilians could handle SOME
positions within the police department. In the case of non-violent crimes, like
auto burglary, civilians can travel and write the report, giving sworn officers
more time to patrol and respond to crimes where a more authoritative figure,
perhaps one with a gun and a badge, is needed.

The article also suggests that civilians can provide crime
prevention duties, like attend neighborhood watch meetings and block parties to
share tips on how to avoid becoming a victim to non-violent crime.

I would suggest we go even further and train individuals to
patrol the streets in used cruisers. Much of the petty crimes occur because
there are simply not enough personnel to patrol effectively. The mere presence
of a cruiser is a deterrent for much of the vandalism and auto burglaries that
occur each night. With proper training, civilians can be the eyes and ears of
the police department.

The latter, of course is not a new idea, it is practiced in
numerous cities across the nation with great success and it has been suggested
before in our fair city. Perhaps a brave councilmember can suggest the idea be
looked at again.

Seems at least one councilmember has looked to The City for
suggestion on possible legislation that could work in Burlingame, (the posting
of harmful emissions from cell phones). Might looking into a way to save the
city some money and make the city safer be a more effective use of staff time?