Tempe residents are being encouraged to join the Police Department's new Park Ranger Reserve program that will utilize volunteers to serve as ambassadors in city parks.

"Park Ranger Reserves will provide a visible, uniformed deterrent to criminal or nuisance behaviors and will provide assistance to park visitors, as appropriate," Police Chief Ralph Tranter said. "They will act as park ambassadors and help increase awareness of city code violations."

Park Ranger Reserves will not take any enforcement action, but will notify Police Officers or full-time Park Rangers if significant criminal activity exists. They will focus on neighborhood parks not already patrolled by full-time Park Rangers.

"This is a terrific way for community members to get involved in the city's efforts to preserve and protect the quality of life in our neighborhood parks and to share their enthusiasm and knowledge of Tempe with park visitors," Mayor Neil Giuliano said. "It's also a good way for aspiring law enforcement officers to learn about careers with the Police Department."

Interested applicants must be at least 18-years-old, possess a valid Arizona driver's license, have a high school diploma or GED and be willing to commit to performing 10 hours of park patrols a month (two 5-hour shifts a month). Completion of a background packet, an oral interview and a polygraph examination are required. Reserves will receive 40-hours of training and will wear uniforms.

For information, call 480-350-8780.

Related Resources

Phoenix Area Parks
Bark Parks
Skate Parks