Volunteers in Patrol
Volunteers in Patrol (VIP) is a non-confrontational neighborhood patrol program designed to reduce crime through the increased cooperation between citizens and police. Volunteers donate time to patrol the neighborhood by driving their own vehicles or vehicles provided by their community organization. They are trained by the DPD to observe, recognize and report suspicious and criminal activity in their neighborhood.
The VIP program allows citizens to take an active role in crime prevention by acting as the eyes and ears of the police department. It builds camaraderie between the residents of the neighborhood by creating a safer environment and a better quality of life. It also sends a message that the neighborhood is aware, alert and will not tolerate criminal activity.
Requirements
A VIP group must extend from an organized crime watch or homeowners association. A minimum of 2 volunteers is recommended. It is most efficient to submit all patrol applications at the same time. The following individual requirements must be met by each volunteer to qualify for the VIP training program: • Applicants must be at least 21 years of age • Applicants must be in good health • Applicants must have a valid driver’s license • Applicants must have no criminal record-no A or B misdemeanors within the past tow years and no felony convictions
Procedures
1) One person from the crime watch or homeowners group should be designated to organize the VIP program. To obtain applications for your volunteers, make copies of the attached VIP application or contact the DPD VIP coordinator or crime watch officer at your substation. The telephone numbers are included in Section I 2) All applications must have a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license and social security card attached. Completed applications should be returned to the group’s VIP Coordinator, I.C.P. Coordination Unit at the address on the application. 3) Background and driver’s check will be performed on each applicant. 4) After the applications are processed and approved, they will be forwarded tot he VIP coordinator who will schedule the VIP training program and notify the applicants of the scheduled dates and times. From the time of application until notice of the VIP class, anticipate a waiting period of approximately tow months. 5) The VIP training program is approximately seven hours held over a period of three evenings. The classes are generally held at your substation with the exception of one class held downtown at the 911 communications headquarters. Applicants must attend all classes to graduate. Topics covered in the classes will consist of the following: Observation skills and note taking Use of 911 and mobile phone Beat configurations City geography Laws of arrest Types of patrol 6) Patrol can begin when at least two volunteers have graduated. Discuss your neighborhood’s crime activity with your crime watch or beat officer. This will help determine when and how often your VIP group should patrol. The VIP groups can patrol as little or as much as the activity of the neighborhood warrants; however, the DPD recommends the neighborhood be patrolled at least eight hours per week. The DPD also recommends the volunteers patrol in pairs. 7) A coordinator should be designated to organize schedules, contact patrollers, maintain equipment and keep a patrol log. Someone with access to a computer will make record keeping easier. A written set of bylaws or procedures is recommended so that patrollers will have clear understanding of their responsibilities. 8) To be most effective, the patrollers should have a cellular telephone to communicate with the other neighbors and the police. You may make any arrangements your like to obtain a telephone; however Verizon Wireless will sponsor groups who meet the requirements outlined below. Shop around and consider all cost(phone, airtime charges and monthly fees) as well as contract commitment length before making a decision. 9) The DPD recommends that magnetic signs be posted on the vehicle while patrolling. This is important to let potential criminals know that your neighborhood is patrolled as well as to alert neighbors who might other wise be prone to call 911 to report a suspicious slow moving vehicle in the area. Obtain sign prices for several companies before placing your order because prices vary considerably from vendor to vendor.
VIP Sponsor
Verizon Wireless has agreed to sponsor VIP groups by providing a free cellular telephone, free monthly access, free 911 calls and tow magnetic VIP vehicle signs. To qualify, your group must meet the following requirements: • The organized group must consist of at least 10 members. • All patrol members must have completed the DPD VIP training program. • The group must have a written set of bylaws or procedures and elected officers. • One member must be willing to sign a one-year contract with Verizon. • The group must pay $3.00 billing statement fee plus the standard charges for airtime usage (other than for 911 calls).
After your group is organized and meets the above requirements, contact the ICP Coordination Unit (NP-CU) VIP Coordinator to request the Verizon forms. Complete and return the form to the NP-CU, who will forward it to Verizon. After about tow weeks, contact Verizon at the number included in Section III to make arrangements to pick up your cellular telephone. Contact the NP-CU VIP coordinator at that time to make arrangements to pick up your magnetic signs.
Additional Information Contact your substation’s VIP coordinator, crime watch officer or Crime Watch Executive Board representative at the numbers listed in Section I to be put in touch with other groups that have established VIP programs. Other groups may be able to answer questions and offer suggestions about procedures that have worked in their neighborhoods.
Volunteers Volunteer Requirements Volunteer Application Volunteer Waiver VIP Training Manual Submit Hours
For more information call Corporal Ron Carpenter at 214-671-0160 or the Northeast Division, Neighborhood Police Unit at 214-670-7768