Goals and Objectives of VIPS

The VIPS Program provides support and resources for agencies interested in developing or enhancing a volunteer program and for citizens who wish to volunteer their time and skills with a community law enforcement agency. The program’s ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers .

Through this program, the VIPS staff seeks to

• learn about promising practices being used in existing VIPS programs and share this information with law enforcement agencies that want to expand their programs,

• increase the use of volunteers in existing programs,

• help citizens learn about and become involved in VIPS programs in their communities, and

• help agencies without volunteer programs get them started.

For Departments

For a law enforcement agency to register as a VIPS program, volunteers must work directly within the agency through an in-house volunteer program or with an organization operating in concert with a law enforcement agency, such as a citizens’ police academy alumni association or a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), to place volunteers.

Training for VIPS

The VIPS Training Program offers a range of no-cost training options for volunteer coordinators or law enforcement executives. Training courses are held in various locations around the country to provide the opportunity of networking with other departments. Trainings are led by a team of practitioners with extensive experience coordinating law enforcement volunteer programs from both sworn and civilian perspectives.

You can find more information about each course by clicking on the links on the left, downloading VIPS Training Program brochure or contact VIPS at training@policevolunteers.org.

How to Start a VIPS Program

Begin by contacting your Citizen Program Committee.  If you are unsure whether there is a CPC in your community contact the Macoupin County Citizen Corps Council or click HERE to check the Citizen Program Committee page on this site.  For more information and helpful tips on starting a Neighborhood Watch Program click HERE.
 

For more information please contact the Macoupin County Citizen Corps Council.

Important Links and Information:

www.policevolunteers.org- The National Volunteers in Police Service.

VIPS videos- Link to the VIPS website for informational videos about the VIPS program and it's history.