Volunteers in Police Services (VIPS)

Overview

Volunteers are an invaluable asset to the Centralia Police Department. They serve as extra eyes and ears, to assist in maintaining peace within our community.

They help by doing tasks that add value which include special events, community education and outreach, victim assistance, data entry, clerical assistance, fundraising, EOC/Incident Command and vacation watch.

Most of our volunteer opportunities require individuals to be 18 years of age and older.

Types of Volunteers

The Centralia Police Department (CPD) offers three levels of work for volunteers:

  • Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS): Civilian community members interested in participating in any number of unpaid, discretionary assignments, including administrative support, special event support, community education and outreach.
  • 24/7 Volunteer: 24/7 is a court-ordered sobriety program that requires participants to take two Personal Breath Tests (PBT) each day. 24/7 Volunteers administer the breath test during a one hour window, twice a day. The first test must be submitted between 6:30 to 7:30 am and the second must be submitted between 6:30 and 7:30 pm. Program participants are required to appear during both testing windows each day, as a condition of bond, pretrial release, as a condition of a suspended sentence (probation/parole), or by a judgment and sentence.
  • Reserve Officer: A person who serves as a specially commissioned peace officer, with arrest authority, in a part-time status. These officers must meet the same eligibility criteria and undergo the same hiring process as full-time, sworn officers of our agency.

Annual Events

We assist local events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Summer Fest, STP, Music in the Park, Hub City Antique Show, Safety City, National Night Out, Lighting of the Trees and A Night Out with Santa.

On-Going Needs

Neighborhood BlockWatch: Neighbors helping neighbors. Whenever you are home you should be alert to what's going on in your neighborhood. Watch groups can be formed by anyone, around any geographic area (a city block, apartment building, or business area).

How Do I Start

Fill out a Volunteer Information Packet (PDF). We'll conduct various background checks. Once cleared, we'll get you started!

Volunteers are asked to enroll in our Citizens' Academy within two years of starting our program. You will gain first-hand knowledge of how CPD works and what it is really like to be a police officer. Meet Officers and learn the challenges they face. An 8-week course. Meets one night each week for three hours during Winter.

To find out more about the Centralia Police Department VIPS, please contact Jennifer Krueger.