SAN BERNARDINO: The concrete and steel at the construction site of the new San Bernardino County Superior Courthouse will support the massive 11-story building, but the true backbone of the new courthouse will be the people who work inside.
One of the untold stories of the 1920’s Historic Courthouse is the volunteer unit from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department that patrols the hallways helping hundreds of people who come to the courthouse each day. The Citizens on Patrol (COPs) act as the information center at the bustling courthouse.
Many people are familiar with the COPs who assist patrol deputies on the streets of Highland, Yucaipa, Grand Terrace and other cities in the county, but this unit is different. These volunteers interface directly with people who come to the traffic, criminal or family courts, and help calm a confusing, complicated and often disorderly place.
When the new courthouse opens in May of 2014, this COP unit will need more volunteers to patrol both the new and historic courthouses. The new courthouse will have 35 courtrooms, in addition to the 11 family courts that will continue to operate at the historic court house on Arrowhead. Currently, this COP unit volunteers nearly 4000 hours per year.
Men and women, at least 18-years-of-age, who can commit to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours per month, are invited to apply to join this unique agency. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license; a high school diploma or G.E.D.; pass an oral interview and background check; and attend a COP volunteer training course. New COPs will be trained on the specifics of maintaining order in a busy courthouse.
Successful candidates will work shifts between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekdays and wear a white Sheriff uniform, designated for volunteers. If you are interested in obtaining information, call Central Court Services at 909-387-0287.
Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Press Release
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