The low crime rate enjoyed by Sun City residents is due, in large part, to the crime-prevention efforts of the Sheriff’s Posse of Sun City.

The all-volunteer group acts as the eyes and ears of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the primary law-enforcement agency responsible for protecting Sun City.

In 1973 a group of Sun City residents banded together to patrol the streets as a deterrent to crime. A year later the Posse was formed. Like Sun City itself, the Posse has expanded tremendously to serve the growing needs of the community.

At first, 52 men and women in civilian clothes patrolled in private cars with their own citizens band radios. Today the Sun City Sheriff’s Posse has 170 uniformed members, 15 fully equipped patrol cars, its own radio station and an administration building.

Using its 9-1-1 monitor, the Posse responds to all fire and medical calls, as well as accidents in Sun City. Other services include:

1.       Vacation Watch to check Sun City houses while occupants are away for any length of time.

2.       Funeral Watch where a Posse member will stand security watch while residents attend local funeral or memorial services.

3.       Block Watch programs, whereby Posse members explain and assist in creating the program that promotes neighbors looking out for each other.

4.       Home Security Checks ó both inside and out ó that provide residents with suggestions on how to upgrade a home’s security.

The Posse does not receive any county, state or federal funds to carry out its programs and all Posse members are unpaid volunteers.

Once a year, homeowners are asked to help support the Posse financially and the response has been gratifying.

The Sun City Posse always welcomes financial assistance and volunteer help.