The Chowchilla Police Department is warning residents that they cannot act as crossing guards or traffic officers at city crossings without proper authorization, after the department learned that local citizens had come together to help children cross streets.

Police said they are grateful for community members who stepped up in good faith to help keep children safe but said California law requires people directing traffic at city crossings to be properly appointed.

Under California Vehicle Code Section 21100, the department said, residents must receive authorization from the local law enforcement agency before acting as traffic officers.

Creating such a program would require the city to conduct background checks and provide training for anyone appointed to serve as a certified traffic officer, according to police.

School districts can provide crossing guard training for areas around their schools, while traffic officers working at city crossings would need to be appointed by the city, police said.

“The City of Chowchilla does not authorize citizens to act as crossing guards or traffic officers” without the legal authorization and training required by state law, the department said.

Police also cautioned that residents who take on the role without authorization could expose themselves to liability.

The department said the underlying problem could be avoided if motorists slowed down, followed traffic laws and were courteous to pedestrians and other drivers.

“Our children deserve to walk safely,” the department said, adding that their safety begins with individual drivers slowing down and driving responsibly.

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