Anyone interested in joining the Southfield Auxiliary Police can call Col. Glazer at 354-9153. Some of the most feared men in Southfield these days are retired, over 70 and work for free. They're officially known as the parking enforcement crew of the Southfield Police Auxiliary. These officers stress they aren't out to set any records writing tickets but warn to be prepared for one if you're illegally parked in a handicapped spot or a fire lane. Glazer, who retired as an officer at Southfield District Court in 1993, stressed the 12 man-unit is unarmed, have no arrest powers and focus strictly on parking violations.
City records show they've been very active.
Last year they wrote up 3,445 violations for persons parked in fire lanes, handicapped or tow-away zones. That's in addition to nearly 1,100 warnings given to other motorists not issued tickets. It also freed up full-time, sworn police officers for other, more pressing duties. Steve Lasota, who supervises auxiliary officers. The volunteers, who get two hours of training and free uniforms, say they get involved for civic and other reasons.