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Police Community Programs

Volunteers In Police Service

Police Community Programs

Volunteers In Police Service

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

Our volunteers are an integral part of the Sacramento Police Department. In cooperation with our volunteers, we strive to provide a safe environment for our community. As a Police Department volunteer, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the community’s overall quality of life through your service.

A photo of the Sacramento Police Department's volunteer participants, in full VIP uniform, from 2016. Taken in the Atrium of the Public Safety Admin Building.

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Why should you volunteer with the Sacramento Police Department?

To make a difference in the community
To work with community leaders
To gain valuable experience
To fulfill personal goals
To improve job skills
To explore potential career opportunities
Most importantly: because you have the time to donate your valuable services!

What do our volunteers do?

Volunteers provide investigative, technical, office/clerical, and customer service support in a variety of areas of the department. You let us know what your area of expertise or interest is, and we will do our best to place you where you can gain valuable and fulfilling law enforcement experience.

Tasks are varied and extensive, and include: answering phones, filing records, data entry, typing, providing information to visitors, assisting at special events, and other duties as needed.

What are the eligibility requirements to become a volunteer?

The minimum age is 18 years old with no maximum age limit. All applicants must complete a standard department pre-employment application and background questionnaire before being considered for assignment. You must have a good driving record if you are required to use a City vehicle while performing your volunteer duties.

What types of opportunities are there?

Our VIPS perform a wide variety of assignments, and have many opportunites to serve our community. Including:

Homeland Security

The mission of the Sacramento Regional Office of Homeland Security is to better prepare area first responders and citizens for a catastrophic event. The SROHS utilizes grant funding provided by the United States Department of Homeland Security to host training courses and exercises for the region’s first responders and community.

Information Technology

The Public Safety Information Technology (PSIT) Section is responsible for providing information technology solutions and ongoing support to over 2,000 Police and Fire Department sworn and civilian employees. PSIT maintains network connections and wireless systems critical to patrol, dispatch and other Police and Fire operations; researches and implements new technology systems; and develops applications to enhance information technology systems department-wide.

Investigations

Investigations follows up on cases referred from patrol and processed through Records. Types of cases include: child, adult and family abuse; assaults (felony, misdemeanor, and guns); property crimes (robbery, burglary, home invasion, carjacking, bank take-overs); financial; and auto theft.

Operations/Patrol

Operations/Patrol volunteers augment sworn officers in non-hazardous situations such as bicycle registrations and the Bicycle Rodeo/Helmet Safety program, business emergency contact records, code violations, minor traffic crashes (non-injury/parking lot), directed patrols, disabled vehicles, laser/radar speed surveys, message deliveries, repair-a-grams, road obstructions, school crossing details, traffic direction, watering violations, welfare checks, and neighborhood patrol in a Police Department PT Cruiser.

Special Events

Volunteers serve as ambassadors of the Police Department at a range of special events including concerts, DUI checkpoints, safety fairs, Neighborhood Watch meetings, law enforcement memorial ceremonies, and law enforcement days at the State Fair. At events, volunteers help to direct traffic, distribute fliers and programs, provide directions, and answer general questions.

Specialized Units

Specialized units, housed at our Richards Boulevard station, carry out a variety of crucial functions such as monitoring alcohol permits and licensing, serving as court liaison, running the department's extensive reserves program, investigating major collisions, carrying out DUI prevention activities, and monitoring the release of parolees into the community. More visible specialized units include K9, SWAT, Air Operations, and Traffic (including Motors), Mounted Unit, Bikes, and the Marine Unit.

Training

The Sacramento Police Training Unit provides comprehensive training for sworn and civilian personnel to ensure the community receives quality public safety services with professionalism, dignity and respect. Training Unit areas of responsibility include: Basic Recruit Training (Entry Level Law Enforcement Personnel), In-Service Training, Firearms Training, Instructor Certification and Re-certification Training, Emergency Vehicle Operations Training, and other specialized training.

Are you ready to become a police volunteer?

To join our VIPS program, please complete and submit the Volunteer Application. Please complete the form and mail to the Police Volunteer Office:

Sacramento Police Department
Personnel Services
5770 Freeport Blvd, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95822

Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator by phone at: 916-808-0483 or via email with any questions.

Volunteer Scheduling

Our Volunteer Schedule can be accessed via the following links:

Please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator with any additional questions.

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