VIPS (Volunteers in Partnership with the Sheriff)

Just wanted to share a really cool program our Sheriff's Department has had in place since 1993, the Volunteers in Partnership with the Sheriff Program. Just to borrow a little info from the Sheriff's Depts. website, http://www.sacsheriff.com/organization/field_&_investigative_services/field_services_bureau/volunteer_services/vips.cfm

 Effective crime prevention requires the support of a partnership between the Sheriff’s Department and our community.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department is proud to have a volunteer work force that helps form that partnership, and works with the department to improve the quality of life for the residents of Sacramento County.

Applicant Requirements:

1. Must be at least 18 years of age
2. Have a valid California driver’s license or I.D. Card
3. Possess a clear criminal history
4. Pass a required background investigation
5. Ability to work 16 hours a month (Preferably volunteering 1-2 days a week with a 4-6 hour commitment each volunteer day)
6. Complete the department orientation and all required training
7. Have a good moral character and reputation
8. Must be able to demonstrate good judgment
9. Have the desire to assist your community

Our volunteers are currently assisting in the following programs:

Community Partnerships:  Neighborhood Crime Watch, Business Crime Watch, Special Events, Safety Fairs
Investigations:  Missing person follow up, special projects, graffiti abatement
Clerical Support: Computer data entry, filing
Service Center:  Customer Service, to include citizen walk in and phone contacts, crime report writing, fingerprinting children, community events
Volunteer Patrol:  Neighborhood patrol, vacation checks, illegal sign abatement and directed patrol requests

You can download an application to participate in this program from their website, and if you are interested in having the Volunteer Patrol check on your house while you are on vacation, contact the Sheriff Department for the official form, but here is a large jpeg to give you an idea of what to ask for. You can also contact Carmen or Olivia for copies of this form.

Hold on though...

Remember, part of Neighborhood Watch groups process is to encourage neighbors to communicate and share with each other when you may be out of town, ask your neighbors to help watch your house, pick up the paper/mail, etc. so please do communicate with your street group and let your neighbors know if they can expect volunteers to be also on the lookout. We definitely want people to utilize all the programs they want to, we just hope that we keep communication pathways open and really take advantage of what Neighborhood Watch can really do. This might also be an excellent little form you might want to use to share with your immediate neighbors that you trust, as a reminder of all sorts of pertinent information.