Daily Egyptian Police Reporter

This afternoon I was running a radar speed check as part of a traffic safety program of the Carbondale Police Department. At that time I logged your vehicle speeding. I am calling to ask you to drive slower, and to follow the posted speed limits in our community.

Those who drive10 mph or more above the speed limit in Carbondale may receive a phone call similar to the one above not from a police offiecer, but from a citizen volunteer.

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Mary Hart, coordinator of Carbondale volunteer services, said the Carbondale Police Department is in the process of getting the SAV (Speed Awareness Volunteers) program started.

Hart said the SAV program was Carbondale Police Chief Don Strom’s idea.

It’s his concept, Hart said. As far as we know it’s the only one in the country.

According to the Carbondale Police Department the purpose of the SAV program is to respond to neighborhood complaints of speedingthrough the use of civilian volunteers on stationary patrol in marked vehicles.

Hart said all cars used by the SAV program are extras that the police department is not using.

Hart said stop sign and red light violators will also be called in by SAV volunteers on stationary patrol.

After their shifts, volunteers will call the people caught disobeying the law and tell them that they were observed and what the consequences would be if they are ever stopped by an officer and ticketed.

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Hart said SAV volunteers will probably only be out during the daylight hours.

At least for now, Hart said.

Hart said 10 volunteers are in currently in training, and more are needed to fill the desired 144 volunteer hours a week.

Hart said all volunteers must pass a background check, have references and fill out a liability waiver.

If anyone wants to volunteer they should call the SAV program at 457-3200 ext. 450.

Info Box or Just Bullets I don’t give a shit

n Volunteers use marked police cars that have a magnetic signs on the front fenders that identify the occupants of the vehicle as volunteers.

n All SAV program volunteers must go through radar and police radio training.

n Volunteers do not have arrest powers or the authority to conduct traffic stops.

n Vehicles assigned to volunteers must be parked on a public street or driveway, unless permission is granted from a private landowner

n Overhead emergency lights are not to by operated by volunteers unless directed by a supervisor to do so

n Location and hours for traffic monitoring will be assigned

n All radar is to be operated at a distance of at least 500 feet from any speed zone change

n Volunteers should keep a log of the license number, vehicle description and driver description of all vehicles traveling 10 mph over the speed limit

n After monitoring, volunteers will request a registration check for each entry on their license plate log

n Volunteers will attempt to phone the registered owners of all vehicles with Carbondale area addresses, and explain the potential consequences if caught in the future

n Volunteers shall be courteous in all encounters with the public and should not become argumentative with any member of the public

n If a citizen becomes uncooperative or requests to speak with a police officer, volunteers should refer them to the Supervisor on duty.