5 Things To Know About the Sheriff's Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program

Does the life of a deputy appeal to you, but you already have a day job? Is it in your nature to help your neighbors? Are you passionate about public safety, on the streets, at our schools and in the community? Then consider answering the call to join the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Offices Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program (VCPP), which provides special training to help sheriff's deputies answer non-emergency and routines calls that do not require law enforcement or regulatory authority.

The patrol "was created to reduce crime, improve the safety of our citizens, improve the quality of life within Hillsborough County and allow community members to become active participants in the process of crime control and prevention," according to a report from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Volunteers, as "partners in public safety," donate their time to patrol while driving specially marked vehicles. They receive training in areas such as crime prevention, first aid, traffic control and community policing.

There are three shifts per day, with patrol duties up until midnight, seven days a week. Two volunteers per shift patrol in each VCPP vehicle.

"Only by working together will we address and resolve community problems and affect lasting change in the communities where we live and raise our families," notes the sheriff's office report.

Here's five things to know to get started:

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I. Requirements To Become a Citizen Patrol Program Volunteer

• You must be at least 19 years of age,
• Possess a valid driver's license,
• Pass a screening test,
• Complete VCPP training,
• Be willing to attent monthly meetings, and
• Be willing to volunteer at least 12 hours per month.

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II. What Volunteer Citizen Patrol Members Receive:

• Comprehensive training
• Uniforms
• On-the-street guidance as they patrol in specially marked vehicles  

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III. What Citizen Patrol Program Volunteers Do

• Patrol neighborhoods.
• Assist with school crossings.
• Conduct vacation checks.
• Document graffiti.
• Monitor suspicious activity at schools.
• Assist disabled motorists.
• Assist with road obstructions.
• Assist with traffic direction.
• Conduct traffic surveys

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IV. Where The Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program Is Active

• Apollo Beach
• Bloomingdale
• Brandon
• FishHawk
• Lutz
• Town 'n Country
• Westchase

Note: Plans are to eventually expand the program throughout the county.

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V. How To Learn More And Apply

• Call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8223.
• Email Deputy Lorraine Jordan, at ljordan@hcso.tampa.fl.us
• Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program brochure
• Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program Application
• Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program Questionnaire

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