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Volunteers in Police Service

The Volunteers in Police Service (V.I.P.S.) is a program sponsored by the Chico Police Department. The program is designed to have citizen volunteers perform routine police functions to help the department provide quality law enforcement service in our community.

Volunteers in Police Service must be graduates of the Chico Police Department Citizen’s Police Academy. The citizen’s academy is a fifteen week informative program which focuses on the operation of the police department.

VIPS must be 18 years of age and pass a background investigation. Volunteers will be screened as to judgment, maturity, and ability to work within the team concept.

VIPS wear a uniform and are utilized by the department in a variety of ways. Volunteers provide hospitality services, assist with eyes and ears during patrol assignments, perform data entry, traffic details, and other functions. VIPS also act as volunteer team leaders to provide support to monitor other community volunteers during special events such as Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day.

Additionally, the VIPS are a non-profit organization associated with the North Valley Community Foundation. This will provide a mechanism to obtain donations for equipment and other expenses of the program.

Volunteers have been a part of policing for many years. The program is directly in line with the community policing philosophy of the Chico Police Department…that it integrating the police department with citizens to enhance the service of the police department and safety of our community.

If you have any questions regarding the VIPS Program, please contact Sgt. Linda Dye in Special Operations at 897-4942.

Qualifications

• Applicants must have completed the Citizen’s Police Academy. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Chief of Police.
• Interested citizens must complete a VIPS application and submit it to the Special Operations Unit or the Volunteer’s In Police Service. A Personal History file is included to allow for background checks.
• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess education equivalent to a high school diploma.
• Applicants will be finger printed to check for criminal history.
• A copy of the applicant’s driver’s license and proof of auto insurance must be submitted with the application.
• Applicants will be required to submit a waiver from their physicians stating they are qualified to perform assigned tasks both medically as well as psychologically. They will also submit the Emergency information and medical information form included in the application.
• Applicants will be interviewed by a panel of VIPS and as well as at least one member of the Chico Police Department. All new members will serve at the discretion of the police department
• Members will be required to volunteer a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours per quarter (three month period) to the organization.
• All members will be required to obtain a full uniform according to the Uniform Code. Optional items may be purchased if desired.