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Concord Police Chief Guy Swanger weighed in on the department's fledgling volunteer crossing guard program. He told elected leaders Tuesday that the volunteers are filling the void created by the elimination of paid contractors who escorted students across busy streets for years.

Key points in the chief's report:

  • City is phasing out crossing guards to save money

  • Concord currently funds crossing guards at 10 schools

  • In 2013-14, the city will cut its funding in half and pay for only five crossing guards

  • By 2014-15, all city funding for crossing guards will be eliminated

  • Police Department has developed a volunteer crossing guard training program

  • Police are working with principals at all 10 schools where crossing guards will be phased out, offering training in both English and Spanish.

    To see the Concord Police Chief's presentation about the department's training program, visit http://concordca.swagit.com/play/03122013-23/0/. Click on Item 1A "Presentations."

    More information about the Monument Community HEAL Zone is available by visiting http://monumentcommunity.org. Click on "Monument Community HEAL Zone."

    For additional details about volunteer crossing guards and the "Walking School Bus" program, read the On Assignment blog at

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