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Volunteers in Police Service

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

            Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Fairfax County Police Department.

            The duties and responsibilities of VIPS are continually evolving as the needs of the department change, especially during the lean budget cycles.

            Once it is determined that a VIPS is needed for a specific assignment, we make all attempts to match the skills and backgrounds of individuals with the tasks to be accomplished.  Although VIPS are assigned to a primary location within the department, they are also eligible to take on additional short and long term assignments. 

What are some of the VIPS opportunities?

• General office duties

• Computer activities

• Photography (secondary assignment)

• Staff of the Citizens Police Academy (CPA)

• General maintenance of police vehicles

• Crime Prevention activities, to include Neighborhood Watch Programs, National Night Out, newsletters, and other similar projects at the district stations

• Editors for numerous police department publications

• Role-players at the Criminal Justice Academy and during other training exercises (secondary assignment)

• Child Car Seat Inspections

What personal expectations will not be fulfilled as a VIPS?

 

• If you are a college student in a criminal justice program wanting to become involved in actual police work, investigations, or other responsibilities specifically related to active cases, becoming a VIPS will not enable you to this type of work.  Individuals seeking this kind of volunteer service may be able to apply for the Auxiliary Police Officer (APO) Program.

 

• Individuals seeking internships or externships with the FCPD should contact the FCPD’s personnel office for any opportunities within the department.

 

• Because most assignments require a set schedule of work, if you are only able to volunteer on an occasional basis or only specific hours or days, this type of volunteer program will probably not fit your needs.

 

What are the qualifications to become a VIPS?

 

• Be at least 21 years of age (no maximum age limit for continuing service in the program)

• In good physical and mental health

• Able to pass a comprehensive police background check

• Able to pass an interview with police supervisors

• Not currently employed as a law enforcement officer (due to possible conflict of interest)

• Submit a one to two page resume detailing your education, skills, and employment history

 

Are there any mandatory time requirements I must provide to the Fairfax County Police Department?

 

• Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of service per quarter/40 hours per year

 

What hours during the week will I have to volunteer?

 

• Most assignments are daytime hours during the work week

• Occasionally there may be assignments that can be completed at night or on weekends

 

What training is provided?

 

• Volunteers receive on-the-job training for their individual assignments

• If the assignment calls for use of department vehicles, VIPS are required to attend a four hour vehicle familiarization course at the FCPD Track

 

Where can I expect to be assigned once I become a VIPS?

 

• Whenever possible, we will strive to assign VIPS to areas of interest and/or preferred physical locations.  However, the needs of the department are of primary concern in determining where VIPS are ultimately placed.

 

What resources will the FCPD provide to me?

 

• Polo shirts and jackets

• On-duty insurance

 

Where can I learn more about openings within the VIPS Program?

 

• Call 703-280-0524

• Email VIPS volunteer Director