The Mounted Patrol will be holding regularly monthly meetings on the
2nd
Wednesday of each month beginning in September. These meetings will
be held at the
Augusta Township fire hall at 7:00p.m. It has also been decided by
the membership to
have scheduled rides as a unit twice a month. These rides are scheduled
for the 2nd
Sunday and 4th Saturday of each month. The locations will be announced,
as they will be
at different places each time. This is so that we can become better
acquainted with our
community and them with us.
With regard to the Mounted Patrol participating in local parades the
'Sheriff's'
office does not feel that we are ready to take on that effort at this
time. We will be
participating in parades and local festivals as we become more proficient
as a unit.
At our last meeting it was decided that any of the members who would
like to
would be going up to the Waterloo Recreation Area on September 30.
Some members will
be heading up on Friday (Sep 29). We felt that this would be a good
opportunity to get
together for some trail riding and relaxation. It should be a lot of
fun, I hope every one can make it!
Tom Keene has had some area maps made up for the members. If you did
not get
one at the last meeting, see Tom or myself and we will make sure that
you get a copy.
David Richardson has window decals for us so that we can identify ourselves
while using
our vehicles. These were donated to us by Speedy Printing in Ypsilanti.
I have made up
some diagrams of riding formations, if any one would like a copy.
I have been asked to make up a call list for members. The simplest way
to do this
would be for each member to call the person whose name appears after
theirs on
the membership roster. If any one has any other ideas, please let me
know. Hopefully, this
system will improve our communication problems. I also plan on trying
to get out a bi
monthly newsletter. 'Liz will be to update everyone on any plans that
may be in the works
and to keep everyone abreast of any crimes that may have occurred in
the area.
It has been brought to my attention that a mounted patrol member attempted
to "take action"
while out on patrol. The Sheriff's Dept. has asked me to remind every
one that we
are strictly a non - confrontational group. Our job is to be the "Eyes
and Ears" of our
communality. We are not trained police officers, therefore, we do not
have the authority to
"apprehend" another person. Our job is to report what we see or find
and to keep a
watchful eye on our comrodery. On that note, let us remind ourselves
once more, what we
are about and to keep our personal safety and that of our horses first.
On a more personal note: I would just like to say thank you and let
every one know how proud
it makes me to be a member of a group like this. I am impressed with
how many people in this community care about their neighbors. My
husband and I are both glad
to be apart of it. Every one who has become involved in this effort
deserves to be
commended. You have succeeded in making our children feel much safer
when they go out
to play.
MOUNTED PATROL UNITS OFFICERS JOB DESCRIPTIONS
Civilian Coordinator: To implement the organization of the patrol
unit, officers and members. To be
the liaison between the Patrol unit and the contact people.
Secretary:
To take the minutes at each meeting and to present them for the members.
To assist
the Coordinator in putting out written materials. May also put together
a newsletter
if one is desired by die patrol unit. To handle registrations for parades
or other
public events. The Secretary will also help with public relations.
Treasurer:
To keep accurate records of any funds donated to or raised by the Patrol
unit. May
also be in charge of fund raising events.
Training Supervisor:
To Arrange training for the patrol unit in conjunction with the police
and civilian
Coordinator. To set up any obstacle courses or other training exercises
as needed.
Sergeant:
To ride at the head of the Patrol unit during exorcises , parades,
etc. This person
will be responsible for calling out formation commands. May also carry
the
American or Patrol Unit flag, as needed.
Block Captains:
Will be the contact person for other members in their area. Members
would
contact their block captain to report any incidents that they had reported
to the
authorities. The block captain would then notify the other members
in their area as
well as the rest of the block captains. This procedure allows the entire
unit to be
aware of any problems that may be occurring in the community and enable
everyone to keep watch.
Respectfully submitted by Michelle R Steffen