The Beach and Park Patrol has been in existence since 1985.  Over the years, various types of funding allowed the program to exist but the long-term future was uncertain.  On March 5, 2002, the citizens of Burlington voted to approve a Public Safety Ballot, which included the permanent funding for the Parks Patrol.  Parks Patrol Officers patrol the City parks, beaches and Church Street Marketplace. The intent of the Parks Patrol is to educate the park-going public on our City Ordinances & Parks rules in order to help provide a safe, clean and healthy environment for all.  The Parks Patrol provides a valuable resource to the public and merchants alike. 

Parks Patrol Officers are not certified law enforcement officers and cannot make arrests.  They are authorized to issue parking tickets and City Ordinance tickets.  They also have direct radio communication with the police department and the police officers working the streets.   The Parks Patrol provides the police department with an extra set of  "eyes and ears" in the City parks, while also making the police department more accessible to the public.

The Parks Patrol is beneficial with regard to recruitment.  The participants are given a hands-on view of community based policing, while the police department and citizens have the opportunity to view potential police candidates prior to being hired as police officers.

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