Since the establishment of a civilian volunteer police force in 1914, AP's have worked in civil defense, as neighorhood and subway patrols, and as additions to the regular police force as needed. They provide an alternative to vigilantism, encourage positive police performance, and provide a measure of community accountability. The current crisis in AP morale and retention is reviewed and recommendations for restructuring the 'eyes and ears' of the police force are outlined, including assigning AP's to ride in patrol cars with officers and training AP's to issue summons for such civil violations as sanitation, parking, and health code violations. The AP Force needs more effective management, adequate training, higher selection standards, and a sense of purpose instilled through expanded duties. The Guardian Angels and a proposed 'New Police Corps' based on the military's Reserve Officer Training program, as well as the exchange of college tuition assistance for a police service obligation, are also discussed. Appended materials include a survey of volunteer police, selection and assignment standards, and a summary of the People v. Robert Jackson. Chapter notes, 154 references, and an index are provided.