Applications are now being accepted for Ventura Police Volunteers! Volunteers are an essential component to the Ventura Police Department’s community problem oriented policing efforts. Volunteers have an opportunity to learn about policing and help improve community safety. Volunteers come from many different professional backgrounds with the common goal of wanting to make a difference by giving of their time and talent to serve our community.
There are two volunteer programs offered at the Ventura Police Department:
The In-House/Administrative Volunteer position reports to designated supervisory personnel within the Police Department and performs routine to moderately complex administrative and clerical work to support efficient and effective office operations. Volunteers work along with Ventura Police staff to assist in various projects. The Department often utilizes the talents of volunteers by giving tasks that best suit the volunteer skillset.
Volunteers in Policing (VIPs). VIPs help with vacation house checks, extra foot patrol, parking enforcement, traffic control, report writing and special events. They are paired with a buddy and drive a marked minivan throughout the community being the extra eyes to report suspicious activity and to respond to special call types as needed. VIPs create their own schedule with their partner and are given various assignments during their shift. Ventura Police VIPs do not carry weapons, they wear uniforms, are equipped with police radios and drive marked vehicles.
In 2018, VIPs responded to 553 calls for service, took 108 reports and contributed more than 5,600 hours of service. They have been a valuable partner in crime reduction and community policing efforts.
“Ventura Police Volunteers are special people who truly care about our community and want to give back in an exciting way! Many of our volunteers had careers here in our community, raised their families here and are now retired wanting to make a difference in a new way. We appreciate their dedicated service, professionalism and the life experiences they bring that enrich our department and Ventura. They make a difference and are appreciated,” said Assistant Police Chief Darin Schindler.
Volunteers are provided with training after an application, interview and background process is conducted. They are also required to attend a Volunteer Academy. Those interested in this exciting opportunity are encouraged to apply online at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/1647/Volunteer or by calling Police Services Officer Natalie Wiles at 805-477-3747.
