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Sheriff proposes civil defense force
Josey1
Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
Sheriff proposes civil defense force The Associated Press11/1/01 8:13 PMASTORIA, Ore. (AP) -- Sheriff John Raichl wants to create an armed volunteer civil defense force to provide extra security for sensitive facilities in Clatsop County. The volunteers would be mobilized during periods of high alert to patrol docks, bridges, reservoirs, power stations, gas lines and other vital places that can't be adequately covered by the county's law enforcement. Raichl presented the idea Wednesday at a meeting to discuss North Coast emergency preparedness. County Commissioner Bob Green, who attended the meeting, said a civil defense force was an "excellent idea." County Manager Jim Azumano said he's referring Raichl's proposal to County Counsel Heather Reynolds, who will review issues such liability and worker's compensation. Seaside Police Chief Ken Almgren said Raichl mentioned his proposal at a recent meeting of local law enforcement chiefs, but other agencies have had little role in the project. With the limited manpower available to city and county police agencies, a civilian force could be useful, Almgren said. Raichl envisions a force of up to 125 or more volunteers spread among five "garrisons" located at various points around the county: Astoria, Seaside, Clatsop Plains/Lewis and Clark, Knappa/Svensen and Jewell. The setup would remain flexible to allow personnel from one garrison to be assigned duties in another area should the need arise. Volunteers would not be deputized, but would operate under the authority of the sheriff, who would be responsible for any deployment. Volunteers would patrol in pairs, using standard sporting firearms such as rifles and shotguns. While "on duty" they would carry identification badges and wear distinctive jackets and caps that would clearly identify them. Though armed, the volunteers would not be allowed to take enforcement action. Their function is to serve as guards for the facilities they patrol and their weapons could be used only for self-defense. Raichl plans to share his proposal with the rest of the state's sheriffs next week, as well as the Association of Oregon Counties. Raichl said the idea isn't that much different from the civilian patrol groups who watched the country's shorelines, including Clatsop County's, during World War II. "It may seem unorthodox now, but it's not unprecedented," he said. "In times of war, there have been all kinds of unusual methods of engaging the population." http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/cgi-free/getstory_ssf.cgi?o0071_BC_OR--Attacks-CivilianP&&news&newsflash-oregon
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