The Battle Ground Police Department is partnering with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office to bring the Neighbors On Watch (NOW) program to the City of Battle Ground. The program, which will begin on December 1st in Battle Ground, is a citizen volunteer program that assists law enforcement through observation, a visible public presence, education and awareness, and uniting neighbors dedicated to improving quality of life.
In Battle Ground, NOW volunteers will patrol City parks to deter vandalism and other illegal activities. They will also have a presence in shopping center parking lots during the holiday season where they will place written warnings on cars that park in disabled stalls without a permit.
NOW volunteers are easily recognized with a distinctive polo shirt, an identification card worn on a lanyard, and a vehicle with signs identifying the program. The volunteers attend a 7-week training academy hosted by the Vancouver Police Department and must complete a full background check. The volunteers are trained not to intervene in situations, but to observe and report.
Applicants to the NOW program must be over 21-years old and pass a background check; be a U.S. citizen; live in Clark County; attend a 27-hour training academy; volunteer at least 4 hours per month; coordinate with other volunteers ; wear provided uniform; and use his or her own vehicle. For more information or to apply as a NOW volunteer, please contact Denise Valtierra, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, at 360-397-2211 ext. 3303 or by email at denise.valtierra@clark.wa.gov.