FRESNO (KMJ) — Tulare County residents who want to make their communities safer, are being asked to become VIPs. In this context means, that means volunteers in patrol.
The aim is to get those wanting to help keep the law, into a position where they can assist without becoming a sworn officer.
“Many people have probably seen them out in the community”, says Lieutenant Rob Schimpf, who oversees the group.
“They wear a law enforcement similar uniform, they drive a marked patrol car that has amber lighting equipment as opposed to regular red and blue lighting equipment that a law enforcement officer would have.
“But they’re actually out there on the streets and their eyes and ears of the community”.
They serve the rest of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Deputies, and perform duties that don’t require an officer.
“They’re also a vital part of the number of administrative things that we have going on throughout the department. Movement of paperwork, complaints to the District Attorney’s Office, assisting in the filing of criminal cases, movement of equipment.
“Day to day, everyday, there’s no way we could get it done without those volunteers”.
Meetings to recruit new volunteers in patrol are taking place in the Tulare County communities of Visalia, Porterville, and Pixley in the coming weeks.
In Visalia, the next meeting is May 26th at 6pm inside the Sheriff’s Department headquarters at 2404 W. Burrel Avenue.
In Porterville, the next meeting is June 2nd inside the substation at 379 N. 3rd Street.
In Pixley, the next meeting is June 15th inside the substation at 161 N. Pine Street.
The Sheriff’s Department states that 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.
More information can be found clicking here, and the form to fill out to apply can be found clicking here.
