Volunteers in Police Service

Mission

The mission of the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) is to serve the citizen’s of Topeka as a volunteer support service to the Topeka Police Department, enhancing their effectiveness of community policing through the provision of administrative, patrol, and support services when requested or required by the department.

Goals & Objectives

  • To provide administrative support services when requested
  • To provide community patrol services when required subject to specific guidelines of conduct and responsibilities
  • To provide for positive public interaction with the Topeka Police Department, other public safety agencies, and emergency medical services, in the development of Community policing
  • VIPS will have the same responsibilities as paid non-sworn within the framework of their assignment
  • VIPS are not employees, and may not be assigned to law enforcement functions, which require the authority of a sworn officer.

Duties of Administrative VIPS

To provide administrative support services when requested, including but not limited to:

  • Ability to assist with form(s) completion and proof-reading
  • Record keeping maintenance and filing
  • Data entry and information retrieval (computer)
  • Binding, collating, cataloging and copying
  • Telephone and customer/client window service
  • Other duties as may be assigned
  • Other non-enforcement and non-hazardous functions as requested by the Department, including special assignment assignments from the Command Staff

Duties of Patrol VIPS

To provide community patrol services when requested, including but not limited to:

  • Traffic Control
  • Ambulance, Fire and Police vehicle security during incidents
  • Crowd control during parades, runs and other significant events
  • Drivers license/DUI check lanes
  • Abandoned vehicle tagging and reporting
  • Vacation house watch (request form is available at the front desk of the Law Enforcement Center)
  • Neighborhood patrol and school patrol and security
  • Stalled vehicle assistance
  • Delivery of necessary forms and crime scene as required
  • Other non-enforcement and non-hazardous functions as requested by the Department, including special assignment assignments from the Command Staff.

Qualifications

  • Must be a responsible, law abiding citizen with no felony convictions
  • Individuals with misdemeanor convictions will be on a case by case basis for acceptance into the program
  • Must be a person of high integrity and responsibility
  • Must be at least 18 years of age
  • Submit verification of your legal right to work in the United States
  • Possess a High School diploma or GED.

Suitability

Prospective candidates for a volunteer position must show capability and a cooperative effort with volunteers, TPD staff, and employees while working in a supporting role. Intentional omissions or failure to provide accurate, truthful information on applications will be grounds for disapproval for selection.