Volunteers in Policing

The City of Richmond Police Department offers a volunteer program for civilian volunteer assistance to ease the increasing workloads of sworn officers and civilian employees. Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS) promotes an environment that encourages city and neighboring residents to work in partnership with law enforcement officers.

The Richmond Police Department seeks to recruit volunteers who are mature individuals with good judgment, common sense, and a motivation to provide a service consistent with the department's mission, values and goals. It is the Richmond Police Department's policy and practice to select and assign volunteers based on qualifications, without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, age or disability. Volunteers support and enhance the workforce and do not displace paid employees. Volunteers are recruited from the Richmond Citizen Police Academies and other Departmental contacts and referrals.

RPD Volunteers can enhance the reputation of the Richmond Police Department; make positive and constructive contributions to the delivery of service; become familiar with police operations in order that they may be aware of the range and availability of services and facilitate their access to those services; and assist in the performance of technical and administrative non-enforcement tasks, in order that sworn and civilian employees may devote more time and energy to higher priority professional pursuits.

RPD Volunteer Opportunities

• Administration
• Richmond Police Athletic League
• Mentoring
• Special Events
• Neighborhood Assistance Officers
• Translation Services
• Volunteers In Police Services Application

For more information, contact the Community Care Unit at (804) 646-3354 or email RPDCares@richmondgov.com