A review of current trends and critical environmental factors impacting volunteerism includes a perspective on volunteerism in the Nation and an assessment of current police volunteer programs. A number of innovative police citizen volunteer programs are described, including crime prevention programs, crime analysis, and victim-witness services. The study identifies the benefits and concerns of police volunteer programs and suggests measures for effective program design and implementation. Particular attention is given to the current and potential use of senior citizens in police volunteer programs. This includes information from the American Association of Retired Persons regarding how senior citizens are being used in police volunteer programs throughout the Nation. Overall, the study encourages police managers to assess community and departmental needs, followed by the implementation or expansion of nontraditional citizen volunteer programs as a means of improving service levels. 31 footnotes. (Author abstract modified)