PUBLIC SAFETY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Citizens on Patrol: After 35 hours of specialized training, volunteers provide uniformed (non-confrontational) patrols and support for sworn officers in a variety of assignments. Chaplains: Volunteer chaplains from all faiths provide support and assistance to both police personnel on an ongoing basis, and to citizens during times of crisis. Domestic Violence Advocates: Provide individualized follow-up and support for victims of domestic violence. Additional information is available by calling 237-4706. Neighborhood Watch: Neighborhood-based crime prevention program. Citizens’ Police Academy: A 17-night course designed to introduce citizens to all aspects of the Police Department’s operations and special units. The Fresno Police Activities League builds positive relationships between young people and members of the Police Department. PAL offers a host of educational, cultural and athletic opportunities to youth in our community. Volunteers are encouraged to be Mentor/Buddies and establish a supportive relationship with a specific young person. Volunteers are also needed for the computer lab, homework assistance, coaching athletic activities; and general administrative and promotional assignments. In addition to the opportunities described above, the Fresno Police Department has many opportunities for Volunteers In Policing who can perform administrative functions for a number of different divisions and special units. Assignments may include basic office functions, such as word processing, filing, accounting and data scanning; as well as work in community affairs, such as special event planning, creating PowerPoint presentations, etc. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is a 20-hour curriculum developed by FEMA. The course is designed to provide individuals with basic emergency response skills, particularly those that would be of value in the initial hours after a disaster when first responder resources may be stretched to capacity. Sessions include light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, basic fire suppression, and more. Individuals who complete the course may also choose to become part of a CERT disaster response team. The Fresno Fire Department utilizes volunteers in a broad range of areas; including the Burn Aware fire safety education program, smoke detector installation, senior outreach and education, Disabled Citizens Program, Explorers, inspection services, on-call support for emergency operations and volunteer management. The Department also has various administrative assignments including data entry, scanning, filing and word processing. The Medical Reserve Corps was established after 9/11 as a means of utilizing the skills of medical and mental health personnel who can provide surge capacity during a disaster; and may assist in meeting the ongoing public health needs of the community. Individuals with medical experience—doctors, nurses, LVNs, EMTs, paramedics, mental health workers and others who are retired or not currently committed to disaster response are encouraged to apply. Additional information is available at www.medicalreservecorps.gov. To request an application or for additional information about these and other volunteer opportunities visit our website at www.FresnoCitizenCorps.org or call the 24-hour volunteer hotline at 621-2328. You are also welcome to send a letter describing your interests to: Citizen Corps at 2326 Fresno Street, Fresno, California 93721.