The Tulare County Sheriff’s Department needs a few more good men and women to be VIPs.
The “Volunteers in Patrol” serve as the eyes and ears in the community.
“These volunteers save the taxpayers money because they do things sworn officers are not needed for.” -Teresa Douglass, Public Information Officer.
Just by their uniformed presence in the community they deter crime and their help is vital – from painting over graffiti, monitoring Project Lifesaver, transporting patrol cars, accompanying children with court appearances or running errands and helping with search and rescue, parades and traffic control..
“They are the people who go out into the field and do property checks by request for homeowners who are on vacation for example, and patrol around the dairies, and we have had farmers tell us that they see less crime when the VIPs are on patrol.” -Teresa Douglass, Public Information Officer.
Each new VIP attends a 40-hour VIP Academy which is held on Saturdays, and they also go through a background check.
Visalia: VIPs meet at 6 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month, but this month they meet this Thursday, July 1st at 6 p.m. at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, 2404 W. Burrel Ave., Visalia. The next meeting is June 30.
Porterville: VIPs meet at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the Porterville Substation, 379 N. 3rd St. Next meeting is July 7.
Pixley: VIPs meet at 4 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at the Pixley Substation, 161 N. Pine St. The next meeting is July 20.
Cost: 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.
Info: RSVP to Teresa Douglass, public information officer, at (559) 636-4695.
Print form and fill out. Go to http://www.tularecounty.ca.gov/sheriff/index.cfm/administration/recruitment/volunteer-programs/volunteer-forms/
