Fresno Police Department Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

One effective way to make a positive contribution to the community is to volunteer through the VIPS program of the local police. As a law enforcement volunteer, you will gain a fulfilling experience in making your community a safer place by responding to crimes and other emergencies. Moreover, volunteering allows you to receive adequate training and supervision to effectively promote public safety and crime prevention initiatives.

The Fresno Police Department places a strong value to community partnerships by offering variety of volunteer opportunities. Each volunteer program has its own membership and training requirements, different areas of responsibility and respective coordinators. With its commitment to high quality programs, the department has been recognized in 2012 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as an Outstanding Law Enforcement Volunteer Program.

Here are the volunteer programs available:

  • Reserve Officers
  • Citizens on Patrol (COP)
  • Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
  • Chaplaincy
  • Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
  • Citizens Police Academy
  • Neighborhood Watch

For the VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) Program, below are the positions that may be available.

  1. Training Center Volunteer – 2 categories:
    1. Utility Worker/Logistical Site Support
    2. Office/Administration
  2. Financial Crimes Unit Volunteer
  3. Grants Management Unit Volunteer
  4. Fiscal Affairs Bureau Volunteer
  5. Fresno Police Chapliancy Position
  6. Family Justice Bureau Volunteer
  7. Records Bureau Volunteer
  8. Information Services Bureau Volunteer
  9. Northeast Policing District Volunteer
  10. Northwest Policing District Volunteer
  11. Video Policing Unit Volunteer
  12. Mayor’s Gang Prevention Initiative (MGPI) Volunteer
  13. Hispanic Resident’s Academy Volunteer

Volunteer/Internship Hours

According to volunteer coordinator Carla R. Glazebrook, Fresno Police Department is in the process of establishing a formal policy that requires all interns to commit to a minimum of 50 weeks and four hours per week of service/learning due to the intensive investment in vetting and training the volunteers including interns. Currently, more than 95% of its volunteer positions are during the traditional business days – Monday through Friday.

Volunteer/Internship Application Process

The application process may take several months to complete.

  1. Complete and print the two required forms available at their website
    1. VIPS application
    2. Personal History Statement
  2. Call or email to schedule an appointment to submit completed forms.
    1. Appointment is mandatory. It is important to note that FPD’s facilities are secure, and you must call or email to schedule an appointment to gain access to the building. For an appointment, building location and parking instructions, please call 621-2328 or email FPDVolunteerUnit@Fresno.gov
    2. Appointments are generally available Monday through Thursday between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm.
  3. A full background check will be completed.
    1. Records check – DMV, local, county and state records (where you have lived and/or worked)
    2. Credit check via TransUnion Credit Services
    3. Interview with the applicant; verify that all information on the application is correct
    4. Review the Personal History Statement with the applicant
    5. Personal contact with all employers from the past 10 years, and all references
    6. Personal contact with family members and neighbors
    7. Verify and receive all required documents (original Drivers License, Social Security card, proof of auto insurance, birth certificate, high school diploma and/or college degree).
    8. Determine if the applicant has ever had a license to carry a concealed weapon
    9. Check military records, if applicable
    10. Fingerprints through the State Department of Justice and FBI

Contact Person:

Carla R. Glazebrook
Volunteers in Police Service
FPD Volunteer Service Unit
2323 Mariposa Mall, Room 205
Fresno, CA 93721
621-2328
FPDVolunteerUnit@Fresno.gov

More Information about Intern Programs