FRESNO (KMJ) – More Volunteers in Patrol are needed at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
VIPS serve as the eyes and ears in the community, checking on vacation property and schools, reaching out to the community, painting over graffiti, monitoring Project Lifesaver, transporting patrol cars, reaching out to youth, assisting children with court appearances, running errands and helping with search and rescue, parades and traffic control.
“They are the people who go out into the field and do property checks by request for homeowners who are on vacation for example, and patrol around the dairies.” -Teresa Douglass, Public Information Officer.
Just by their uniformed presence in the community they deter crime and their help is vital.
Each new VIP attends a 40-hour VIP Academy which is held on Saturdays, and they also go through a background check.
Visalia: VIPs meet at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, 2404 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia. The next meeting is Thursday, Aug. 25.
Porterville: VIPs meet at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Porterville Substation, 379 N. 3rd St. Next meeting is Sept. 1.
Cost: Each volunteer is responsible for purchasing a VIP uniform which consists of black pants, white shirt, black shoes and a black jacket with Sheriff’s Office patches on both shoulders.
Info: RSVP to Teresa Douglass, public information officer, at (559) 636-4695.
Website: http://www.tularecounty.ca.gov/sheriff/index.cfm/administration/recruitment/volunteer-programs/volunteers-in-patrol/
Fill out form: Print form and fill out. Go to http://www.tularecounty.ca.gov/sheriff/index.cfm/administration/recruitment/volunteer-programs/volunteer-forms/
