We Have a Volunteer Program

If you want to be officially recognized as having a VIPS program, all you have to do is register your agency online. If you have even one volunteer currently helping your law enforcement agency, you already have a VIPS program in place! There are no costs or other requirements to register. Your program does not have to be called or renamed VIPS.

The benefits of registering your agency with VIPS include

• A page on the VIPS Web site dedicated to your program. Your page can be used to recruit potential volunteers in your area.
• Networking opportunities with other registered VIPS programs.
• An opportunity to participate in VIPS to VIPS, a moderated discussion group for volunteer program leaders.
• Eligibility to apply for the IACP/SAIC Outstanding Achievement in Law Enforcement Volunteer Programs Award.
• Recognition of your status by the USA Freedom Corps and an opportunity for a volunteer from your agency to be recognized through the Presidential Greeter Program. Click here to read more about VIPS volunteers that have been recognized through this program.
• Grant funding opportunities. Some states require your agency to have a VIPS program to be eligible for federal grant opportunities. Click here to find out what funding may be available in your state through the Citizen Corps Program.

Visit the VIPS Resources page for resources that may be helpful in enhancing your program. VIPS offers publications, educational videos, training, and technical assistance at no cost.

We Want to Establish a Volunteer Program

Resources

You can download or order a copy of our resource guide Volunteer Programs: Enhancing Public Safety by Leveraging Resources. This document was designed for law enforcement representatives interested in starting a volunteer program.

The IACP offers a model policy on volunteers. You can also search our library for other sample policies, forms, and documents to help get you started.

Sign up for VIPS Info, our monthly electronic newsletter. We use the newsletter to share information about funding opportunities, new resources, and other items of interest. You can read past issues of VIPS Info in the archives.

Training

VIPS offers no-cost training for law enforcement representatives interested in establishing a volunteer program. Search here for training dates and locations.

Network

Search the online directory of local VIPS programs to learn about and network with existing programs throughout the country.

Mentoring