THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 31, 1996 TAG: 9605290163
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LORI A. DENNEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 65 lines
Robert T. Sollenberger is a PEST.
That is, he's one of 11 members of the Parking Enforcement Specialist Team, a volunteer group that's charged with enforcing handicapped parking within the city.
Sollenberger, a retired Navy captain, joined PEST in January and has since helped the Virginia Beach Police Department's Special Operations Bureau breathe new life into the ailing program that started in 1988.
Sollenberger, working closely with Master Police Officer Rick Spreder, is helping the department revamp the program, including more extensive training and new uniforms for volunteers.
``Rob dives into it with two feet, two arms and whatever else he can drag with him,'' said Spreder, who is the liaison between the Police Department and PEST members. ``He's very thorough and very good at what he does here. He's been very good for the program.''
PESTs are ordinary citizens willing to commit 20 hours a month to enforcing handicapped parking restrictions. Volunteers must be adults and pass a criminal history and background check. Currently, there are 11 PESTS working out of four precincts. Three of those 11 are disabled.
``If those with disabilities feel that they can do it, they're encouraged,'' said Spreder. ``Most of our volunteers have some connection with disabilities. They've seen the difficulty when spaces are taken up by someone without a disability.''
PEST members do not receive compensation for their work. They do, however, receive funds for mileage because they use their own vehicles. Program members typically work out of the precinct closest to their own homes.
Volunteers wear a uniform of navy blue pants and blue shirts, with a patch above their left shirt pocket identifying them as a member of PEST. Team members also carry police radios to call for assistance or report other crimes if they happen upon them.
Members are allowed and encouraged to issue warnings and tickets for violating the handicapped parking law. Members also are trained in what stickers are valid and which are not. In addition, drivers can be ticketed for altering a handicapped parking decal.
PEST volunteers also appear in court if a ticket is disputed.
Between January and April, PEST volunteers issued 802 tickets for illegally parking in a handicapped parking spot. At $100 a ticket - $200 if it's not paid within 14 days - PEST volunteers often meet unhappy motorists.
``One thing I hear often is, ``If I'd known it was $100, I wouldn't have parked there,' '' said Sollenberger, who will not stand and argue with a driver. ``Well, that's the wrong answer. You shouldn't park there no matter how much it costs,'' he said he tells them.
The program has saved the Police Department many manpower hours in addition to making a dent into the unlawful parking practices of many residents.
``The amount of money it costs to train and outfit one of them is a couple of hundred dollars,'' said Spreder. ``After writing three or four tickets, they've paid for what it costs to outfit them.''
Applications for PEST volunteers are still being accepted. For information, call 427-4970. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS
``One thing I hear often is, ``If I'd known it was $100, I wouldn't
have parked there,' '' says PEST volunteer Robert Sollenberger.
Wrong answer, he says. by CNB