News & Events
E-News
VIPS Newsletter Vol. I (April 5, 2002)
Thank you for your interest in the Volunteers in Police Service program. We are in the initial stages of launching this initiative and have a target date of May 2002. You can check the Citizen Corps website www.citizencorp.gov for updates.
The program will assist local law enforcement officials in incorporating community volunteers into the activities of law enforcement agencies.
The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program is being developed by the U.S. Department of Justice in partnership with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. VIPS is one of three Citizen Corps programs administered by the Department of Justice.
The VIPS program is designed to address the increasing demands on state and local law enforcement agencies. In the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks, already limited law enforcement resources are being stretched further at a time when this country needs every available officer out on the beat. Some police departments are turning to civilian volunteers to enable police officers to be on the front lines, working to make communities safer. These volunteer outreach efforts will receive new support through VIPS.
Examples of volunteer support activities include:
- Assisting with traffic control;
- Impounding and storing marked abandoned vehicles;
- Searching for missing persons;
- Booking property;
- Transporting department vehicles;
- Enforcing handicapped parking; and
- Processing paperwork.
A tool kit for state and local law enforcement agencies will help design strategies to recruit, train, and deploy citizen volunteers in their departments.
There are already many police departments across the country employing the talents and commitment of volunteers in their communities to support the work of their officers. Examples of some of these programs are available on the Citizens Corps website.
Again, thank you for your interest!