NOPD Volunteer In Policing (VIP)

Volunteers in policing movement is a natural outgrowth of Community Oriented Policing that encourages citizen participation.  Today it is common place for police departments to utilize volunteers within their service.  This program is often entitled Volunteers in Policing or VIP.

 

Because of this, I am happy to announce that the New Orleans Police Department will begin a VIP service. 

The police department has the opportunity to use the skills, talents and energy of citizens to support and supplement the internal resources of the department. To build stronger relationships with the community by creating an environment in which citizens and law enforcement work together.

 

Volunteers in Policing is a win-win-win situation!

•         Police Department

•         Community

•         Volunteers themselves

 

 

The use of volunteers in law enforcement agencies has the following objectives:

 

To use the skills, talents and energy of citizens to support and supplement the internal resources of the department.

To build stronger relationships with the community by creating an environment in which citizens and law enforcement work together, thus fostering mutual understanding and respect.

 

Utilizing citizen volunteers in law enforcement is a tradition that precedes the existence of structured police forces.  Volunteers in Policing can also be viewed as a community policing program that increases citizen’s participation and involvement in the law enforcement community.

 

Volunteers may include a variety of persons including senior citizens, employed persons and Citizen Police Academy graduates.  Usually, VIP volunteers are required to work a minimum number of hours per month, 12-15 for example.

 

Age qualification

            21 years old minimum age requirement

           

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Complete volunteer application form

Valid driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance

Successful completion of background and character reference check

No felony conviction

 

How Are Volunteers Utilized?

 

Criminal Investigations – assist with clerical duties.

Human Resources – answer telephones verify employment for members and general clerical duties.

Victim Advocate – Volunteers in this area should have specialized training for these duties. Volunteers may assist by contacting crime victims to collect additional information, provide referrals to other services and support and assistance to crime victims.

Records – Volunteers may assist with citizen’s request for copies of police reports, answer telephones and microfilming of documents.

Training – Volunteers may assist by helping to maintain and update the training reference library.  They may also provide assistance and support for actual training programs.

Neighborhood Watch – Volunteers may assist with the coordination and support of Neighborhood Watch programs.

Crime Prevention Programs – There are numerous crime prevention programs that can benefit from the services and support of volunteers.

Police Department Tours – Volunteers can lead tours of the law enforcement agency’s offices and facilities.

Citizens Police Academy – Volunteers may assist in the planning, preparations and presentation of the Citizen’s Police Academy.

Traffic – Special Events – Volunteers may assist with special events within the community that require motor vehicle traffic or pedestrian control.

Vacation House Checks – Some law enforcement agencies use volunteers to make house checks of homes whose occupants are on vacation.  Keeping an eye on your neighbor's home and reporting strange activity.

 

If you are interested in participating in this program, please complete the attached VIP application and return it to the address listed below.  If you have any questions regarding the VIP program, please contact Officer Ed Perkins at 504-658-5590 Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.