Why Volunteers are Important in Police Service

Volunteers provide a value-added level of support to state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. While all agencies are designed and staffed to provide appropriate policing and law enforcement services to the com-munity, there is always more to do.

The Bear Valley Volunteers in Police Services (V.I.P.S) help fill critical gaps in program support, enabling Bear Valley police officers to respond more effectively to enforcement and policing priorities. At the same time, volunteers can create valuable ties between law enforcement and members of the community.

What Would I Do?

VIPS wear a uniform and are utilized by the department in a variety of ways. Volunteers provide hospitality services, assist with eyes and ears during patrol assignments, perform data entry, traffic details, and other functions. VIPS also act as volunteer team leaders during special events such as Bear Valley's 4th of July festival.

Volunteers have been a part of policing for many years. The program is in line with the com-munity policing philosophy of the Bear Valley Police Department; this philosophy integrates the police department with Bear Valley citizens to enhance the service of the police department to our community.

What Will My Obligation Be?

Volunteers are required to complete eight (8) hours of service with the Bear Valley Police Department each month. In addition to the minimum hours required, all members are encouraged to attend scheduled meetings and training events.

The process to become a VIPS member contains three phases:  application, background investigation, and the training academy.  Candidates must successfully complete all three phases to become a VIPS member.

Membership into the VIPS shall be available to any U.S. citizen who meets the following requirements:

• Is at least 21 years of age.
• Has no recent serious convictions
• Has had no misdemeanor convictions for two (2) years prior to application and is relatively free of misdemeanor convictions overall.
• Has been favorably considered by the Group Coordinator of the group to which the individual has applied.
• Successfully completes a Police Department background investigation.
• Successfully complete the citizens training academy.

 Persons interested in becoming VIPS members will:

• Complete the VIPS application and return it to the VIPS Coordinator.
• Complete an oral interview conducted by the VIPS Coordinator.
• Upon successful completion of the oral interview, be issued a background package by a the Coordinator to complete.
• Thoroughly complete the background package and return it to the VIPS Coordinator at the station within a specified time span set by the VIPS Coordinator.
• Upon successful completion of the background, attend the next available citizens training academy.
• Be sworn in and receive their official identification cards.
• Successfully complete one (1) ride-a-long with an officer, consisting of at least eight (8) hours.
• Complete an evaluated Field Training Program with a designated VIPS Field Training Officer.