About Fairfax County Citizen Corps
The
purpose of the Fairfax County Citizen Corps is to harness the power of
every individual through education, training and volunteer service to
make communities safe, stronger and better prepared to respond to the
threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all
kinds. We build on community strengths and develop action plans to
involve the whole community, including local businesses.
Working directly with the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Police, and Health departments, the Citizen Corps Council brings together first responders and other community organizations crucial to emergency preparedness and the development of volunteer opportunities and training to meet community needs. In addition, the Council serves as an official Fairfax County advisory body to promote federal and state volunteer initiatives, enhance services, facilitate the exchange of information and training, and support partnerships.
Core Programs
Please click on the program's logo for additional information.
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) provides support for the police department by incorporating volunteers so that law enforcement professionals have more time for frontline duty. VIPS includes auxiliary police officers, administrative volunteers, chaplains and the Citizen's Police Academy.
Neighborhood Watch brings private citizens and law enforcement together to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. It brings to life the simple concept of neighbors watching out for neighbors. Volunteers may join an existing group or establish one in their neighborhood.
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a program operated by the Health Department that is composed of medical and non-medical volunteers trained to assist the community in dispensing medication during public health emergencies.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trains people in neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools in basic disaster response skills, such as fire suppression and search and rescue, and helps them take a more active role in emergency preparedness.
Fire Corps volunteers are trained to perform non-operational administrative duties at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Headquarters and at volunteer fire stations.