The Nassau County Auxiliary Police Department often goes unnoticed in local communities, but their dedicated work keeps the area safe. They are the eyes and the ears for the police department.

The department is made up of residents from communities throughout Nassau County who are responsible for patrolling their designated communities, in marked vehicles, to help make their community a safer place to live.

The auxiliary police was established pursuant to provisions of the Civil Defense act of 1951 and is composed of civic-minded residents of the community who work together to improve_ the level of safety and security in their community.

The presence of the auxiliary police, in uniform, on patrol in marked police units has been proven to reduce vandalism and other crimes in the community. The officers are responsible for patrolling the area, but also for crowd control at parades and local street fairs.

Because members work on a volunteer basis, finding candidates has become more and more difficult. Recruitment is ongoing and the department offers those interested the self-satisfaction knowing they are serving the community, experience for those considering a career in law enforcement and many local colleges give credits to criminal justice majors who successfully complete the auxiliary police basic training course at the Police Academy.

_The Nassau County Auxiliary Police Section is conducting ongoing recruitment for new members. The auxiliary police are made up of residents from communities throughout Nassau County. Local units include Floral Park, Elmont, Stewart Manor, Valley Stream, Five Towns, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Hempstead, West Hempstead, Rockville Centre, Oceanside, Point Lookout, Uniondale, Baldwin, Roosevelt, Freeport, East Meadow, Merrick, Levittown, Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford, South Hempstead, Westbury, Willison Park, Port Washington, Great Neck, New Hyde Park, Mineola, New Cassel, Sea Cliff, Brookville, Bayville, Syosset, Jericho, Hicksville, Farmingdale, Massapequa Park, Massapequa and Plainview.

Members attend and complete a 19-session basic training course given at the Nassau County Police Academy. The training includes Peace Officer powers, New York State Penal Law, Hazardous Materials Awareness, Baton Training, Blood-Borne Pathogens, Basic First Aid/CPR, Traffic and Pedestrian Control and Response to Critical Incidents.

"Volunteering as a trained part-time peace officer in the Nassau County Auxiliary Police is rewarding and fulfilling," said Lieutenant Kevin Meller, a member of the executive board - Nassau County Auxiliary Police. "We help people in need, as well as with traffic and crowd control for community events, and respond to emergence situations."

Applicants must be at least 18 years old; a resident of Nassau County; a citizen of the United States; and have a valid NYS driver's license; a high school diploma or G.E.D.; be of good moral character without a felony conviction. (A misdemeanor conviction may also prevent acceptance.); Not more than one alcohol-related driving offense and_ cannot have been convicted of any drug-related driving offense. Also, applicants must pass a physical examination, submit to fingerprinting, consent to a background investigation and must submit to a drug test and be willing to submit to a psychological exam.

Members with certain disabilities may be eligible to serve in non-patrol duties, such as the Auxiliary Police Communications Unit.

Those interested, please call 573-7521, or email at AuxPolice@PDCN.ORG.