Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) provides a value-added level of support to state, county, and local law enforcement agencies. The VIPS program is a valuable asset to the Niles Police Department and the Village of Niles. It is through our volunteers' selfless acts of community support that the Niles Police Department is allowed to conduct its mission of service to the residents, visitors, and the business community within the Village of Niles. If you are interested in volunteering for one of these activities or would like to participate in a specific event please contact us at 847-588-6591, or email Sgt. Kelly Eckardt.

Tasks

VIPS assist with a multitude of assignments. These range anywhere from clerical work to community programs.

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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