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:

  1. Participate in the Sheriff’s Office Community Academy

  2. Call the Sheriff’s Personnel Office at 707-565-2779, or complete an Indication of Interest and Hiring Application.

  3. Participate in an oral interview.

  4. If selected, complete the background investigation process.