The program began in the early 1970's and originally aimed to provide 24-hour police staffing in high-crime areas, low-income areas, and other targeted areas. Shifting of police officers from station to station and little use of the ministations during late night hours led to the conclusion that the original concept was not effective. By the 1980's, the stations were staffed by trained civilian volunteers from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with assigned police officers regularly contacting and dropping into the stations. Police officers were assigned to the ministations only at their request. They received a 2-week basic crime prevention course. The police officers involved in the program have generally been street officers rather than community relations officers. They have developed close ties with their communities. Many of the contacts and duties of the ministation police officers are those done by beat officers long ago. Citizen volunteers are also crucial to the program. The ministation program will continue to evolve; police officers and volunteers regularly suggest changes. Photographs are included.