That is correct. I have 15 Auxiliary Deputies under me. Many are older guys, 40- 55, that have more experience than most young patrol Deputies. We are not paid and do everything the paid guys do. One difference we notice is how keyed up and instantly confrontational many of the young patrol guys are. The public has expressed many times, by letters and commentaries in the paper how much more they like the contact with the volunteers. Why is this? I can theorize, but not here. Maybe we should make policing volunteer like the Army or Firefighter.
I have even noticed this just watching COPS vs. Alaska State Troopers. On COPS the officers are ready to go Rambo if you ask a question or look the wrong way. On AST the troopers actually take time to talk and listen to the people they come in contact with, at least they have from every episode I have watched.
I had an older officer tell me that in many cases when his department is contacted the callers will ask for certain officers to respond if possible because they know they will listen to the parties involved rather than go into roger ram jet mode.