By William Croyle
Enquirer contributor

FLORENCE - Police Lt. Tim Chesser said there were just a few thefts at the Florence Aquatic Center last summer, but enough that some citizens are getting involved to stop it from happening this year.

POOL FACTS

What: Florence Aquatic Center Where: Ewing Boulevard, next to Government Center Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Noon-8 p.m. Sunday. Admission: Florence residents: $5 for adults, $3 for children 3-15 and those 65 and older; 2 and younger free. Non-residents: $8 for adults, $5 for children 3-15 and 65 and older; 2 and under free. All admissions are $1 off each day after 6 p.m.

The center has been open since Memorial Day weekend and will remain open through Labor Day. Last summer, nearly 65,000 people passed through the gate, and some had money stolen.

"It's a very safe place, and we had very few incidents," said Chesser. "But we did have some money taken out of wallets, purses and shoes."

Enter the Citizens Police Academy patrol. Since the academy started in 2000, nearly 100 citizens have gone through the 12-week class at the Florence Police Department.

This summer, about 10 of the graduates are volunteering to put some of what they've learned to use at the aquatic center.

Decked out in navy blue T-shirts with the city logo on the front and "V.I.P." - Volunteers In Police services - on the sleeve, academy grads like Ron Schroeder will provide a little extra security at one of the city's busiest summer attractions.

"We'll do walk-arounds and make sure everybody is behaving themselves," said Schroeder, 52, who works as a machine shop supervisor by day. "I would rather have my police patrolling my neighborhood than walking by a pool."

The citizens who will patrol are various ages and will report to the pool at random times each day. They could stop by for a few minutes or stay for a couple of hours.

They don't have police powers, so they can't make arrests.

"We would report it to pool management, who would then call police, or we would call 911 ourselves," said Schroeder.

Chesser said he patrols the center regularly, but having citizens watching will make it even safer.

"It all gets back to the fact that we can't be everywhere," said Chesser. "The more eyes and ears there are, the better."

For more information on the next Citizens Police Academy, scheduled to begin in September, call 647-5420.

E-mail williamcroyle@yahoo.com