Why on earth don't they let you carry while on this volunteer shift? This would seem like the very occasion when YOU shuld be packing heat!
That was my thought too. The police chief pointed out that the city maintains an insurance policy to cover the sworn officers in case they have to use their firearms on duty. Volunteers are not covered and the city would be liable to suit if we used a firearm inappropriately while volunteering. I did bring my S&W 686+ before my first shift. The chief politely asked me to store it in my private vehice before going out.
Our town only has 9700 people. A relatively small tax base. It is well managed, but we can't afford an expensive legal entanglement.