VIPS
Tasks
VIPS assist with a multitude of assignments. These range anywhere from clerical work to community programs.
Administrative Duties
- Enter pertinent data when needed.
- Type reports, file, answer phones, and perform other office tasks.
- Help front counter personnel by answering citizen inquiries and performing routine administrative tasks.
- Help telephone reporting units take reports of minor and no suspect crimes.
Community Liaison Activities
- Assist with citizens’ advisory boards.
- Speakers bureau on disaster preparedness or identity theft.
- Assist with citizens’ police academies.
- Staff a department booths and distribute information on police services at community events.
- The VIPS also assist with Community Police Beat Officers.
Research
- Conduct research using department and regional computer programs.
- Compile crime data for specific area problems.
- Proper use of crime mapping and analysis.
- The VIPS
Other activities they participate in
- Search and rescue activities
- Role-playing and training scenarios for officers
- Victim assistance
- Disaster response
- Special events
- Crime prevention programs
- Fingerprinting
Specialized Skills
If a volunteer has a specialized skill then they may be assigned tasks which utilize said skills. Examples are:
- Counselors can provide support to victims of crime and assist with crisis intervention.
- Mechanics can help maintain police vehicles.
- Faith leaders can become involved in chaplain programs.
- Public health officials can develop public safety plans and train for biohazard management.
- Architects, landscapers, and building engineers can suggest ways community centers can improve or modify buildings and landscape designs to prevent or reduce crime.
- Security specialists can conduct free security reviews for local schools, after-school programs, or places of worship.
- Public relations professionals can design public safety campaigns and supporting materials.
- Bilingual volunteers can assist with translation.
- Computer programmers can help develop or improve web sites and record management systems.
- Persons with state-approved training can become reserve or auxiliary officers