Mesa Police Department Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS)
Victim Assistance Program Volunteer

Volunteer Position Description (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

Becoming a crime victim can be devastating -- if you are a compassionate person with a desire to help others at their time of greatest need and are available for two shifts per month, volunteer with the Mesa Police Department's Victim Assistance Program. Our program operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we respond to a variety of police calls, such as robbery, death investigation, domestic violence, sexual assault, traffic accidents, etc.

Available Shifts:

Grave:	Midnight to 8 am
Day:	Monday - Friday, 8 am to 6 pm
	Saturday - Sunday, 8 am to 4 pm
Swing:	Monday - Friday, 6 pm to midnight
	Saturday - Sunday, 4 pm to midnight
	(Shift hours open to discussion based upon availability and need.)

Eligibility Requirements:

• Legal age adult (21 years or older)
• Furnish a certified copy of your birth certificate
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver's license
• Reliable transportation
• Successfully pass a background investigation and polygraph
• Must be fingerprinted and drug screened

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the time commitment?
A: Due to the investment made in each volunteer, a one-year commitment with a 2 shift per month commitment is required.

Q: Will I receive training?
A: Yes, 30+ hours of training is given prior to your official entrance into the field, as well as ongoing training.

Q: What types of victims will I deal with?
A: VAPs (Victim Assistance Program volunteers) respond to calls ranging from car accidents to sexual assault.

Q: Will I be safe when I respond to calls?
A: VAPs are not summoned to scenes unless the site has been deemed safe by law enforcement.

Q: What type of equipment will I be required to operate?
A: City equipment, such as an alpha pager and a police radio, are assigned upon completion of training. You will also receive a uniform polo shirt and ID badge.

Q: Why is there such an extensive application process?
A: This is due to the access to confidential victim information that VAPs have.

Q: Will I have to deal with death?
A: VAPs respond to calls that may include natural death, suicide, homicide, accidental death, etc.

Benefits of being a VAP

• Make new friends and be of service to others.
• Become more knowledgeable of your police department.
• A place to look at possible careers.
• Learn new skills and share existing ones.
• Exposure to the work force.
• Opportunity to rebuild confidence, regain professional work habits and develop references and job experience.
• Opportunity for first employment experience and helps teach basic job survival skills.

For questions about the Victim Assistance Program contact Victim Assistance Volunteer Coordinator Amy Martinez.  If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in the Victim Assistance program, contact Linda Bailey, Volunteer Coordinator at (480) 644-2073 to request an application packet, or use the online request form.

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