The Baltimore County Council passed legislation allowing volunteer auxiliary police officers to assist county code enforcement officers in their duties.

The pilot, which is limited to the eastern part of the county, would provide more manpower to address public health and public safety issues raised by vacant properties and other nuisances.

The Baltimore Sun reports:

Council members voted unanimously to create a one-year pilot program that will allow auxiliary officers to assist with tasks such as checking problem properties and looking for potential violations.

The pilot will be conducted in the eastern part of the county, including in Dundalk, Essex and Middle River.

The county Police Department has about 65 auxiliary officers — trained civilian volunteers who ordinarily help provide crowd control at public events, direct traffic, issue parking citations, help during emergencies such as storms and perform administrative duties.

Councilman Todd Crandell, who sponsored the bill, said auxiliary officers can help code inspectors deal with issues such as vacant homes and rat infestations.

“These things can be a public health and public safety issue,” the Dundalk Republican said.

For more information read The Baltimore Sun article.