V.I.P.S.

Stockton Police Department VIPS are 40 years and older and interested in helping their community improve the quality of life. Volunteers in Police Service was conceived in January 1992 to assist the Police Department and residents. The first class of 15 members graduated from the VIPS Training Academy on October 1, 1992. VIPS have contributed more than 510,000 hours since the program's inception.

VIPS strive to provide the department with a team of responsible, dedicated volunteers committed to assist with "extra eyes and ears". Members perform a wide range of duties:

• Assist with assorted indoor and outdoor special events. 
• Fingerprint children during school visits when requested.
• Provide deterrent patrol.
• Locate, mark, and tow abandoned automobiles.
• Conduct vacation house checks and other special checks. 
• Issue disabled parking, illegal, out-of-registration, and no license plates parking notices. 
• Staff lobby information desks at Police Headquarters and the Police Operations Building.
• Provide assistance throughout the Police Department. 
• Assist with the Graffiti Program. 
• Assist with code violations and pre-planned neighborhood sweeps. 
• Assist at the Animal Shelter. 
• Y.A.N.A. (You Are Not Alone program) 
  
  

In addition to the above duties, VIPS attend a training academy of about 24 hours on general traffic instruction, roles of different divisions in the Police Department, CERT training, and assignments and responsibilities. The minimum requirements for acceptance into the VIPS program include a combination of education and life experiences to help make reasonable decisions, and candidates must be at least 40 years of age. The VIPS also represent the City and Stockton Police Department at events such as National Night Out, Cinco de Mayo, and other events requested by citizens, organizations, and clubs.

If you are interested in volunteering, contact the VIPS Office at (209) 937-8477 or email VIPS Coordinator Tom Jernigan at Tom.Jernigan@stocktonca.gov.