Volunteers in Policing (VIPs)
Serve Your Community. Support Your Sheriff’s Office.

The Volunteers in Policing (VIPs) program gives Sonoma County residents the opportunity to actively support the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. VIPs are dedicated adult volunteers who assist with non-enforcement duties, helping strengthen the connection between law enforcement and the community. VIP's serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff and are not covered by the Civil Service System.
VIPs are not peace officers—they do not make arrests or carry weapons—but they play a vital role in supporting deputies and staff through community service
After training and under supervision, VIP's may be deployed to one or more activities, including the following:
Community Outreach
Assist at parades, safety fairs, schools, Neighborhood Watch meetings, and more
Office Support
Clerical work, data entry, filing, and general administrative tasks
Marine Unit
Assist deputies on watercraft at Lake Sonoma, Bodega Bay, the Russian River, and the Petaluma River
Help transport watercraft and perform light maintenance
Patrol Assistance
Substation support, vacation house checks, and parking enforcement
Program History
The VIP program began in 2001 and has grown into a dedicated team of 16 volunteers serving across Sonoma County. VIPs are assigned to the Community Outreach Unit, Sonoma Police Department, Windsor Police Department, Sonoma Valley Substation, and the Sheriff’s Main Office. Two specially marked VIP patrol cars are reserved for VIP patrol duties.
Requirements
To apply, volunteers must:
Be at least 18 years old
Have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions
Be in good physical and psychological health
Possess good moral character
Commit to a minimum of 16 hours per month for at least two years
Complete the Sheriff’s Community Academy and VIP training
How to Apply
Ready to join? Here’s how:
Participate in the Sheriff’s Office Community Academy
Call the Sheriff’s Personnel Office at 707-565-2779, or complete an Indication of Interest and Hiring Application.
Participate in an oral interview.
If selected, complete the background investigation process.