West Bend Crime Prevention Patrol History

In May of 1977, the “CB Posse” was formed and held its first official meeting.  There were ten members, with Officer King Riffel overseeing the group.  The group started out as a Civilian CB radio program designed to have volunteers assist Law Enforcement and Fire Departments in helping reduce crime, save lives, and protect property by reporting situations and emergencies to local authorities and were an extension of the eyes and ears of these agencies.

In 1981, numerous articles were appearing in the local newspapers regarding the radical group called Posse Comitatus. To avoid confusion to local citizens, the group's name was changed to "The West Bend Communications Patrol." Training was enhanced to include adverse weather spotters, traffic direction, security, locating missing persons, and child fingerprinting. A number of members were sent voluntarily to the Milwaukee Area Technical College for auxiliary police training.

In 1981 the Communications Patrol helped provide security when a tornado hit our city in the middle of the night. Its members also assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Department when extra personnel were needed to help locate burglars operating in Washington County. Both operations were very successful in assisting law enforcement officials to do a better job. While the patrol assisted the Washington County Sheriff's Department, Sheriffs deputies apprehended the burglars.

With weather detection and modern technology improving as more people started using cell phones, the original reason for the Communications Patrol’s services were declining.  In 2000 members voted to change their group name to the current “Crime Prevention Patrol” as most of their duties related to crime prevention.

In 2004 members of the Crime Prevention Patrol were pressed into service to help with control for the Presidential motorcade and visit.

Many private organizations request the Patrol's assistance in providing security services such as: overnight security; providing security during events; and traffic and pedestrian control at various community events.  In addition to these requests from private organizations, the Crime Prevention Patrol provides extra help at parades; Fourth of July fireworks; Child Fingerprinting Programs; Neighborhood Watch Programs; and the annual Family Bike & Safety Jamboree.

The Crime Prevention Patrol operates under the direction of the West Bend Police Department.  The patrol members elect Officers each year with their president serving as the captain; the vice-president as lieutenant; the treasurer as sergeant, and the secretary as a sergeant. There is a sergeant-at-arms for meetings and other activities.   There are 10 meetings a year.

For more information Contact Detective Richard Lucka at (262) 335-5097, or go to the Crime Prevention Patrol Feedback/Join page at http://www.wbcrimepreventionpatrol.org/join.asp

No member has been injured while assisting the police or any other agency.

Volunteering to protect our neighbors and community!