Published: April 20, 2008 01:37 am            

Volunteer police group takes on variety of tasks in county

The Volunteers in Police Service program, a new professional division providing volunteers with non-enforcement positions, continues to build its numbers.

The program, launched in September 2007, encourages residents of Walker County to get involved in servicing the community by assisting law enforcement.

“We’re really excited about this program,” said Walker County Sheriff Clint McRae. “It will not only help educate the public on what our law enforcement departments do but also create positive communication between the communities of Walker County and law enforcement.

“We’re still in the early stages, but it’s been extremely beneficial. As time goes on, it will grow in numbers and continue to assist the community.”

The VIPS program has 12 trained members who are currently out working a minimum of 16 hours a month in the community, three people that are signed up and ready for training and about five to six people completing the application process.

Volunteers, who apply and undergo training, become part of a team which takes on a variety of tasks that do not require certification, including citizens’ patrol, administrative support, office staffing and technical services.

“After law enforcement has responded to events in high crime neighborhoods, it’s important to communicate with residents in these areas,” McRae said. “Citizens’ patrol is a proactive way for team members to visit with high crime neighborhood residents and gather intelligence that will assist in our investigations and solving crimes.”

Neighborhood watch meetings are planned that will allow volunteers to assist in educating residents on crime prevention. Volunteers will also attend other community meetings as well.

“Our agency not only wants to be involved with criminal issues of the county but with community activity as well,” McRae said.

Team members may also help with canvassing areas of interest within the community, providing extra exposure to assist with crime prevention, minor surveillance operations, checking the welfare of residents of the community who are in need, directing traffic, public relations, clerical work and fingerprinting.

McRae said many agencies struggle with funding and manpower.

“Everywhere you go, there are struggles with funding and manpower,” he said. “It’s always a great concern with departments and this program gives us some ways to fill the gaps.

“(VIPS) is an unarmed division that assists us from a non-certification standpoint. We had officers spending time on non-enforcement issues in the community that didn’t require a certificate.

“The program allows for additional services to the community at no additional price to the taxpayers ... it provides support for our sworn officers to focus on their primary duties and allows us to do more proactive enforcement.”

After applications are submitted, those chosen will go through a background check, an interview and a training process, McRae said.

“Our volunteers will spend about a month in training, spending time in divisions of our agency in order to get an overall picture and become familiar of the departmental policies and procedures,” he said.

“We were able to purchase uniforms through a line item in our budget ... equipment will be provided as volunteers host various fundraisers in the community.

“Our volunteers are clearly identified in uniforms. We want residents to know that volunteers are here for the benefit of the public.”

Residents may have already noticed a car — donated by Hillcrest ford — equipped with a radio and overhead lights marked with ‘Citizens on Patrol’ out on assignments in the area or featured in the 2008 Walker County Fair parade.

Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older, have good moral character, a good driving record, no felony convictions, be a current U.S. citizen and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Volunteers must also have good people skills, wear approved uniforms, attend monthly meetings, have at least two patrol members per vehicle, volunteer at least 16 hours per month, maintain a positive attitude and present a professional appearance at all times.

McRae said current working volunteers are enjoying their participation.

“The moral within the group has been very high and as we grow it will become even more so,” he said. “We’ll continue to learn more duties and responsibilities that volunteers can assist us with.

“This is the first year for the project and like anything else, we’re working the bugs out. Within a year, it should be running really smooth.”

Clyde Thompson, a 59-year-old trained volunteer, said he believes the program has potential.

“It’s a new program for the county and they’ve got about 15 people helping out,” he said. “There are some pretty energetic young men involved and then some older guys like me.

“Sure, I think it has the potential to be a really good program.”

Thompson, who retired from Dow Chemical in Freeport, moved to Walker County in 2003.

He was part of the first group to complete training and said as a former volunteer fireman, he wanted to get involved with the community again.

“I used to be a volunteer fireman ... and I’m crazy enough to volunteer for pretty much anything,” he laughed. “I just try to do whatever they have to give me.

“One of our volunteers found a lost 5-year-old in the parking lot of the Walker County Fairgrounds during the fair. He thought to ask the boy his parents’ names ... and if he knew their cell phone number. The little kid just rattled off the names ... and the cell phone number — that was a good feeling. That volunteer was definitely on his toes that night.

“I hope the best of luck for the program — it’s a good thing.”

The program, McRae said, will probably be capped at around 20-25 people temporarily until there is an increased need for assistance.

“We are looking for key people who want to help (for a long-term commitment) and truly have an interest,” McRae said. “It’s a great opportunity for residents to meet new people, gain valuable work experience and take pride in knowing they are a part of our crime reduction solution.

Applications are available at the Walker County Sheriff’s Office and for more information, call (936) 435-2400.

        

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