Volunteers To Assist With Parking Enforcement

The Columbus Police Department will soon be increasing parking enforcement efforts throughout the city thanks to a group of volunteers.

Police spokesperson Lt. Matt Myers says five recent graduates of the police department's Public Safety Academy are currently receiving training in local ordinances, parking enforcement techniques and ticket issuance. The extra enforcement will begin the week of November 12. The volunteers will focus on fire lane violations, handicapped violations, and three-hour parking violations - including the city's parking garage at 4th and Jackson.

Volunteers will be clearly visible with a reflective vest and a picture identification card. The volunteer program is coordinated by Sgt. Richard Howell.

Police Chief Jason Maddix says they had 20 graduates from the Public Safety Academy sign up to volunteer for the police department. Maddix says he was amazed at the willingness of these citizens to get involved in their community. He says in addition to parking enforcement, volunteers will assist officers at public relations events and other jobs inside the walls of the police department.

With the approaching holidays, citizens are reminded that along with the volunteers, police officers will closely monitor handicapped parking and yellow curb/fire lane violations at retails stores and shopping centers. Additionally, other state parking laws will be enforced such as parking on the wrong side of the street, parking on sidewalks, and parking within 30 feet of a stop sign.

To report a parking violation, call 376-2600.