Volunteer Handicapped Parking Program

LIBERTY, April 30, 2010 - The Liberty Police Department is announcing its new Volunteer Handicapped Parking Program (VHPP). The VHPP will consist of volunteers that are City of Liberty residents that want to assist LPD with the enforcement of handicapped parking laws.

The VHPP was originally started back in 1995 by the enactment of a city ordinance. It authorizes community minded citizens to write citations for handicapped parking violations. The volunteers attend an 8-hour class at the P.D. During the class, the volunteers learn about federal, state and local laws pertaining to handicapped parking. They also learn how to write proper citations, the municipal court process and testimony, confrontation avoidance techniques, public relations, policies and procedures, and civil liabilities. The volunteers can only write citations for handicapped parking violations, and they do not have any powers of arrest or detention.

The Chief of Police is responsible for the operation of the VHPP. Hugh Bishop, LPD’s Community Services Officer, will be the coordinator and trainer of the volunteers.

Chief Billy Tidwell explains, “While enforcement of handicapped violations is important, those duties can sometimes get pushed down the list when officers have to answer higher priority calls. The use of volunteers helps us to alleviate a particular problem, and it helps our community.”

Liberty residents that are interested in the VHPP, can pick up an application at the Liberty Police Department, 1914 Lakeland Dr., in Liberty. Applicants must be of good moral character and pass a background check. They cannot have any felony convictions. After completing the required course of training, the volunteers will be sworn in by Liberty City Council. Contact Officer Hugh Bishop at 336-5666, for more information.