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Volunteer Programs: Enhancing Public Safety by Leveraging Resources

NCJ Number
207074
Date Published
2004
Length
118 pages
Annotation
This guide presents the law enforcement community with advice and examples for establishing or enhancing volunteer programs.
Abstract
Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, greater demands have been placed on law enforcement. These increasing law enforcement demands, coupled with shrinking budgets, have caused law enforcement agencies to consider volunteer programs as an excellent way of engaging community support and utilizing available resources. This guide contains materials gathered through the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. Part 1 contains nine sections that provide an overview of volunteerism and advice on how to establish a new volunteer program or enhance an existing one. Section 1 presents the history and purpose of VIPS programs, as well as the benefits of such programs, while section 2 describes the current state of volunteerism in the United States and estimates the value of volunteer time. Section 2 also contains results of an International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) survey concerning volunteerism in the law enforcement industry. Section 3 discusses the roles of volunteers within law enforcement agencies and the costs associated with volunteer programs. Liability issues and the development of policies and procedures are also considered. Section 4 reviews recruitment practices for volunteers, while section 5 describes the screening, selection, and placement of volunteers, as well as their supervision and management. Section 6 discusses the orientation and training of new volunteers, while section 7 presents information about Federal, State, and local volunteer recognition opportunities. Section 8 reviews various ways of assessing volunteer programs and evaluating volunteer performance, while section 9 describes various organizations and programs referenced throughout the guide, as well as additional resources on volunteer programs. Part 2 of the guide describes 26 law enforcement volunteer programs from around the United States. Part 3 of the guide presents sample forms, handbooks, and policies collected from law enforcement agencies with registered VIPS programs.