May – June 2006
In this issue:
Mesa Police Department (AZ)
Volunteers important arm of law
The Arizona Republic
May 03, 2006
The Mesa Police Department has more than 100 individuals who volunteer their time by providing crisis intervention to crime victims, assisting officers with processing DUI suspects, and providing administrative support. These individuals were commended for their service during National Volunteer Appreciation Week.
VIPS Registered Program Page | Mesa Police Department | The Arizona Republic
Decatur Police Department (IL)
Center honors volunteers who help Decatur police
The Decatur Daily
May 21, 2006
The Decatur Police Department recognized their volunteers for their hard work and dedication during an awards presentation held at Colonial Mall. Volunteers received medals, depending on how much time they spent helping police during 2005.
VIPS Registered Program Page | Decatur Police Department | The Decatur Daily
Newport Police Department (NC)
Newport gets VIP treatment
Jacksonville Daily News
May 23, 2006
Volunteers with the Newport Police Department have responsibilites that include the monitoring of activity around local businesses. They can also be seen directing traffic, conducting daytime checks of homes while residents are on vacation, and watching for and reporting any suspicious activity they may observe around town. Newport's volunteers have logged 1,100 hours on the job since the department started the program in September.
VIPS Registered Program Page | Jacksonville Daily News
Miami-Dade Police Department (FL)
Police honor volunteers for their dedication
The Miami Herald
May 25, 2006
The Miami-Dade Police Department gave special awards to volunteers at a local restaurant in Florida for their hard work and dedication. The department has 95 volunteers who have served a total of 12,751 hours, at a value of $320,000.
VIPS Registered Program Page | Miami-Dade Police Department | The Miami Herald
Gulf Breeze Police Department (FL)
Police continue winning ways
Pensacola News Journal
May 31, 2006
Gulf Breeze Police Chief learned his department won the "Rocky Pomerance Excellence in Policing" award for an unprecedented fifth year in a row and he attributes the win to the success of their Volunteers in Police Service program. Since 2004 the Gulf Breeze Traffic Safety Task Force has developed 28 strategies to reduce crashes, including the use of volunteers to drive marked police cars for traffic calming and motorist assistance.
VIPS Registered Program Page | Gulf Breeze Police Department | Pensacola News Journal
Payson Police Department (AZ)
Volunteers help lengthen long arm of law
Payson Roundup
June 16, 2006
For the fifth consecutive year, the Payson Police Department is relying on volunteers to do some of the work that officers cannot do because of time restraints and lack of manpower. The department has 54 volunteers who have served a total of 11,000 hours, at a value of almost $20,000. When considering the average wage, with benefits included, this equals a value of $17.55 per hour.
VIPS Registered Program Page | Payson Police Department | Payson Roundup
Indianapolis Police Department (IN)
Civilian volunteer police unit citation
Submitted by the Indianapolis Police Department
June 17, 2006
During the past 12 months the Civilian Volunteer Police Unit (CVP) has
provided an invaluable service to the Indianapolis Police Department by
assisting with traffic related duties at over 115 different events, including,
the Indians, Colts, and Pacers home games. They have provided traffic assistance
at practice, qualification and race days for the Indianapolis 500, U.S. Grand
Prix and the Allstate 400. The CVPs have also assisted with traffic for every
special event downtown including Indiana Black Expo, Presidential visits, Sky
Concert, the 500 parade, 4th of July, Circle City Classic, the Mini Marathon,
every major event at the RCA Dome, and other details. The CVPs handled evening
traffic direction at the Indiana State Fair and also worked several DWI
checkpoints throughout the year. Additionally, each of Indianapolis's major
sports teams advanced into the playoffs this past year adding to an already busy
schedule for the unit. Despite short notice, the CVPs quickly volunteered to
staff these events as well. The CVP's also helped with emergency traffic control
following the storms which damaged the Regions Bank tower on April 2nd. While it is difficult to assign a specific value to the increased service and
safety that the CVPs provide to the citizens of Indianapolis, the bottom line
value to the Police Department is clear. For the past 12 months the members of
the Civilian Volunteer Unit have donated a total of 4,664 service hours which
has resulted in a savings of approximately $139,920. In addition, new CVP
members donated an additional 1,080 hours of service while completing
training. They have worked long hours, tirelessly without complaint, in the rain, snow,
in the cold and hot weather, unselfishly for the betterment of their community.
Undoubtedly, without their assistance, the level of service the Indianapolis
Police Department would be able to provide to the citizens would be greatly
diminished. For their service and dedication the Indianapolis Police Department
proudly recognizes their contributions by awarding them with a Unit
Citation.
VIPS Registered Program Page | Indianapolis Police Department
Punta Gorda Police Department (FL)
New marine code enforcement begins
Sun and Weekly Herald
June 21, 2006
Volunteers with the Punta Gorda Police Department received special training in marine code enforcement. These volunteers will be able to enforce city marine codes and issue warnings and citations. The volunteers, trained as U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Crew or coxswains, will spend hundred of hours a year patrolling city waters. Marine volunteers will also assist with special events and will be available to assist with marine emergencies.
VIPS Registered Program Page | Punta Gorda Police Department | Sun and Weekly Herald