LONGMONT — Pete Lagerman is looking for a few good citizens for the Longmont Citizen Volunteer Patrol.

“We’re looking for more coverage,” Lagerman said, noting that the patrol currently has 25 members and he would like to double that.

He said having more volunteers would allow greater flexibility for scheduling patrols, as well.

Lagerman is in charge of recruiting for the volunteer patrol, a program that puts trained residents on the streets to assist Longmont police officers in what department officials call an “eyes and ears” capacity.

Volunteer requirements Age: At least 21 years old Residency: Not required to be a resident of Longmont Background: Must pass background check, including criminal history review, drug screening and driving record review Driving: A valid driver’s license and insurance are required More information and applications are available here or by calling 303-774-4440.

“We have volunteers from all walks of life,” Lagerman said.

The city is accepting applications for the new academy that will begin for 10 consecutive Tuesday nights beginning in September. Beyond the training commitment, those who complete the academy are expected to complete two four-hour patrol shifts and attend one two-hour meeting a month.

Patrol volunteers use a marked volunteer vehicle, wear city-issued uniforms and report anything suspicious to dispatchers or police officers, Lagerman said. Volunteers also may assist with security at a crime scene or accident.

Cmdr. Jeff Satur said the volunteers also help out with education efforts and warning neighborhoods about crime trends. The volunteers hit the streets with fliers in the area of the 2100 block of Frontier Drive on Monday night because of four reported car break-ins in the area over the weekend. In one case, pieces of a gun were abandoned in a car.

Satur said it is likely that the suspects dropped the parts because they were interrupted during the break-in.

Lagerman arranged a contingent of volunteers to help reach out to neighbors and to remind them to keep car doors locked and valuables out of vehicles.

Pierrette J. Shields can be reached at 303-684-5273 or at pshields@times-call.com.