Agreement allows Riverside County sheriff to patrol forest www.privateofficer.com
The contract, which is retroactive to last August and expires this Sept. 30, specifies that sheriff’s resources will be utilized on an as-needed basis, with costs capped at $17,000.
According to sheriff’s documents, deputies from the Hemet and Lake Elsinore stations will be called upon for special enforcement actions, confiscating marijuana grows in the forests, handling road closures and other details during wildfires and coordinating security during events that attract large crowds, such as concerts and demonstrations.
Patrols will also be conducted in various forest locations “to make residents and visitors aware that law enforcement officers are in the vicinity,” according to the agreement, which is a continuation of previous agreements.
Under the terms, the sheriff’s department will bill the forest service for all expenses incurred.
About one-third of the San Bernardino National Forest, and an even smaller portion of the Cleveland National Forest, extend into Riverside County.
West of Murrieta is the Tenaja Campground, which is part of the Cleveland National Forest.
