Miami Beach recognizes Civilian Volunteer Patrol; police say program aided arrests

The City Commission on May 28 presented a certificate of recognition to the Civilian Volunteer Patrol (CVP) and its volunteers, acknowledging the group’s role in supporting police-community efforts.

Speakers described the CVP as a volunteer unit that wears uniforms, maintains radio communications with the Miami Beach Police Department and provides “extra eyes and ears” on city streets and at events. Police staff said a CVP member recently reported an incident to the department that led to an arrest. The commission noted the program’s development over several years and said the CVP currently has 15 active members and three additional trainees.

Sergeant Jim Walker of the Miami Beach Police Department’s Community Affairs unit spoke for the department and said he oversees the civilian volunteer program and that volunteers assist at events and with community engagement. The commission also named Sergeant Isidro Zhamoka as a leader who had taken the CVP “to another level.”

The presentation was ceremonial. Commissioners encouraged residents interested in volunteering to contact the police department; no new budget or policy action was taken at the meeting.