NCJ Number
139623
Journal
Police Journal Volume: 65 Issue: 4 Dated: (October-December 1992) Pages: 336-339
Date Published
1992
Length
4 pages
Annotation
The Tempe, Arizona, police department's volunteers in policing (VIP) program successfully increased the volunteer corps from 3 to 127 people; they log in 12,000 hours per year.
Abstract
The volunteer management philosophy is based on research, recruitment, retention, and recognition. The department identified 35 areas in which volunteers could be used; program managers work to match the volunteer's skills and desires to the department's needs. In addition to traditional volunteer jobs including clerical work and data processing, volunteers in Tempe have been involved in planning a sexual assault workshop, the city's National Night Out Crime Prevention Program, and the Motorist Assist program. As a result of thorough screening and training, there is widespread acceptance of the volunteers by departmental personnel and patrol officers. The volunteers come from all professions, are about equally divided between men and women, and include student interns from nearby campuses.