NCJ Number
234940
Date Published
2011
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper explains how the national Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) Program can be implemented in a college or university setting.
Abstract
The VIPS Program was established in 2002 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police in partnership with the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The VIPS Program provides support and resources for agencies interested in developing or improving a volunteer program. The program's ultimate goal is to improve the capacity of law enforcement to use volunteers through the provision of no-cost resources and assistance. Volunteers can assist campus law enforcement in many of the same ways that volunteers are helping other law enforcement agencies. Volunteer tasks could focus on augmenting and enriching the safety and security of campus grounds, its residents, and visitors. These services may influence "safe walk" programs from buildings to parking lots, first aid, clerical functions, traffic control, disaster preparedness and response, alcohol prevention programs, assistance at special events, and translation services. Brief descriptions are provided of safety and security patrols, campus escort services, a campus community emergency response team emergency response services, and "campus watch." In recruiting volunteers, a VIPS Program must be tailored to the needs of the campus law enforcement agency and the financial and human resources available to support the program. There is no single effective model for the composition of a campus-based law enforcement volunteer program; however, examples are provided of how various colleges and universities have developed VIPS programs.