Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS)
About the Program
The Sequim Police Department began our Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) Program in September of 1999. The program started with 10 people from our community who applied for the program along with several other applicants.
Implementing the Program
The implementation of the program was accomplished through establishing policy and procedure to address the do’s and don’ts of the program and training was given to those ten volunteers on those policies and procedures as well as patrol, front office, dispatch, call taking, and various other police topics.
Growing Our Volunteer Base
Our volunteer force has grown substantially, to the point where there nearely as many volunteers than sworn officers, with recruitment and hiring ongoing. All volunteers are provided with orientation and field training by experienced volunteers. Our program is evaluated yearly and last year we instituted individual program evaluations for the VIPS to verify that they are placed appropriately in our department to best suit their and our needs.
Programs Available Thanks to Our Volunteers
Many of the programs we offer at our department are facilitated via the VIPS program. We would not be able to offer Project Lifesaver, business trespass enforcement, vacation house checks, or child passenger safety inspections without their ongoing dedication.
We rely heavily on our volunteers. They regularly assist with tasks, projects, and assignments that would not be met with the limited staff in our department.
Common Volunteer Tasks & Activities
The Sequim Police Department officers, detectives, and support staff regularly seek volunteer assistance with projects, deadlines, and day-to-day activities. These include vehicle maintenance needs, crime scene protection, evidence collection, parades, traffic control, and clerical needs.
Recruiting, Hiring & Evaluating Our Program
The Sequim Police Department has established an effective way to recruit, hire, and evaluate our program, leading to the program's overall success. Although applications are accepted year-round, we complete hiring and training once a year in the fall.
VIPS Recognition
Our Volunteer In Police Service Program was awarded honorable mention by the International Association of Chief's of Police in 2011 for our outstanding achievement in law enforcement volunteer programs.
Join VIPS
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with our agency, contact the Sequim Police Department at (360) 683-7227. You will need to complete an application (PDF) to begin the process. If selected, you will be contacted for an interview. You will also be subject to a thorough background check. After successful completion of the background check and field training/orientation, you may be offered a position as a Sequim Police Department Volunteer in Police Service.