Volunteers In Policing
Volunteers in Policing (VIP'S)
Volunteers In Policing (VIPs) are adult citizen volunteers from Sonoma County who assist the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office with duties not specifically defined as law enforcement activities. VIP's are not peace officers, do not make arrests and do not carry weapons.
VIPs act as additional "eyes and ears" for the department and enjoy the challenge and excitement offered by assisting law enforcement and support personnel, as well as the satisfaction of providing a worthwhile community service. VIP's serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff and are not covered by the Civil Service System.
After training and under supervision, VIP's may be deployed to one or more activities, including the following:
- VIP Patrol (Searching for and posting abandoned vehicles, graffiti watch, substation assistant, speed trailer deployment, vacation house checks, elder contact, school patrol and general patrol)
- Marine Unit (assist Sheriff's Deputies on watercraft at Lake Sonoma, Bodega Bay, the Russian River or Petaluma River, transporting watercraft between locations and light maintenance)
- Crime Prevention (Neighborhood Watch, Fingerprinting and Courthouse Tours)
- Clerical/Data Entry (Assist with sorting, filing, word processing and computer entry)
- Special Events (Assist Deputy Sheriffs and/or Crime Prevention personnel at parades, safety fairs, schools and other events)
Program History
Started in 2001, VIPs now number 24 members assigned to the Marine Unit, the Helicopter Unit, COPPS Ahead, the Coroner's Office, and Crime Prevention. Two specially marked VIP patrol cars are reserved for VIP Patrol.
General Requirements
- No felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Physically and psychologically suitable for the assignment
- Good moral character
- Must complete the Department's Citizen's Academy and VIP training
- Must be willing to volunteer four hours per week and make a two-year commitment to the program.
Application Process
Call the Sheriff's Personnel office at 707-565-2779 or download it at
http://www.sonoma-county.org/hr/volunteer/forms_toc.htm
You will be notified by mail of the time and place for the next orientation and oral interview. Those applicants who successfully complete the oral interview will be invited to commence the background investigation process for further consideration.
