OLD ORCHARD BEACH — A group of residents is going on patrol with the blessing of the Police Department.

The department is launching a Citizens Patrol complete with a retired cruiser with standard black-and-white paint scheme, complemented by a special Citizens Patrol insignia.

“Their basic responsibility will be to be out there as ambassadors for the Police Department,” said Lt. Tim DeLuca. “Citizens Patrol is observational in nature and nonconfrontational.”

The department is launching the program Thursday, with an unveiling of the cruiser, and hopes to have volunteers available for this weekend’s winter carnival.

The department is looking for volunteers and has extended invitations to graduates of its Citizens Police Academy, as well as members of civic groups like Community Watch Council, Neighborhood Watch and fire and police volunteers.

Helene Whittaker is coordinator for Community Watch Council, a civilian group working to assist police since 2006. She described the Citizens Patrol plan as awesome.

“It’s another aspect of neighborhood watch,” she said. “I think it makes us more credible.”

The kickoff meeting will be Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the police complex.

Future trainings will be held monthly.

The Citizens Patrol will be involved in public events like parades, but will also be a roving watch program, DeLuca said.

— Staff Writer David Hench