Small Town News
Guest Commentary: Superior Police Department Volunteers in Police Service
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CopyUnbeknownst to most people the Superior Police Department personnel and I have been working to develop a Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) program for the last 2.5 years. It wasn't easy starting a program from scratch but we've managed to do it with help from volunteer coordinators in Mesa and Surprise! A manual was developed and received the approval of Chief Lou Digirolamo. Lt. Mike Campbell is the overseer for the VIPS program.
Currently the department has five volunteers, Pamela Lagunas, Paul Medlock, Joy Everland, Don Pfohl, and I. There are currently two more individuals waiting for their security clearance. All these individuals were recruited to form the first SPD VIPS program. The VIPS have met twice and attended a training session with regard to police operations security. Volunteers must go through the interview process, background check and polygraph.
I am the VIPS Volunteer Coordinator. I am not employed by the town and I don't receive compensation for this position. I am a volunteer just like everyone else. I became acquainted with a similar program when I worked for the Mesa Police Department. The VIPS in Mesa assisted police officers with tasks that could be completed without being a certified police officer.
There are so many possibilities for this organization. VIPS recently received a patrol car that was going to be auctioned by the Pinal County Sheriff's Office. A magnetic sign will be placed on the vehicle to identify it as a VIPS car. The volunteers interested in the Citizens On Patrol (COP) program will receive training from Officer John Britton in three weeks. Volunteers will then begin driving the streets during the day and night to be the eyes and ears of the department. Volunteers will radio information to the dispatcher regarding suspicious activity and look for open gates, doors, windows, dogs-at-large and other activities that may be a security concern. Volunteers do not carry guns or confront individuals. VIPS patrol will also note street light outages and other data.
As VIPS grows we are planning to add other programs to the Citizens On Patrol such as: a bike patrol, an ATV patrol, horse patrol, "You Are Not Alone" program for the elderly, a call program to check on those living alone, and many more programs. Grants will be written in the future to assist in the. financial operation of the group.
If you are interested in volunteering at the police department please call me at 520-689-5886. We have many tasks available and you'll be giving your time for a worthy cause! In the words of Elizabeth Andrew "Volunteers do not necessarily have the time, they just have the heart."
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© 2011 The Superior Sun Superior, Nebraska. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.
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