Become a VIP and an integral part of the police team, all the while helping police make New South Wales a safer community, learning new skills, and meeting a variety of people.
The NSW Police Force is the primary law enforcement agency in NSW and has the mission to work with the community to reduce violence, crime, and fear in society. Specifically, the NSW Police Force aims to prevent, detect and investigate crime; monitor and promote road safety; maintain social order, and perform and coordinate emergency and rescue operations.
About the program
The NSW Police are offering Australian citizens opportunities to volunteer in Policing through their Volunteers in Policing (VIP) program that was established in 1995 to enable community members to assist police by performing various functions and tasks. VIPs are essential to the police team as they enable police to engage in their core functions and duties.
As a volunteer, you will not be asked to engage in core police duties such as carrying a gun, driving a marked police vehicle, or wearing a police uniform. However, you will perform a variety of duties which may include the following:
· Assist police with victim support and customer service
· Support witnesses attending court and during the court process
· Maintain a scrapbook of police-related newspaper clippings
· Assist during times of disaster or emergency
· Assist with school fetes and youth programs
· Perform administrative tasks such as minute taking, photocopying, and packing
· Assist the Protocol Officer at medal ceremonies
· Promote crime prevention initiatives by distributing crime prevention materials at shopping centres, schools, car parks, and home addresses.
Ultimately, all volunteers receive specialist training, are supported at the Local Area Command, and will receive VIP shirts, jumpers, and photo identification.
Job Location: Available around NSW, contact your Local Area Police Command
Eligibility requirements:
· Must be of good health and over 18 years of age
· Australian citizen or have permanent resident status
· Possess satisfactory communication skills
· Have proven involvement in the community
· Must be willing to undergo a police records check and fingerprinting
· Be able to treat colleagues and community members with respect.
Time Involved: May work for up to 16 hours per week. However, the exception to this would be in periods of high demand such as in disasters or emergencies. Ultimately, minimum hours are not set and are left to the discretion of the Local Area Commander, in consultation with the individual volunteer.
How to apply
If interested, more information is available on the following webpage: Volunteers In Policing - NSW Police Public Site
To apply, please fill out the application form here: Volunteers In Policing Program - Program Information and Application Form (nsw.gov.au)
Once the application form has been completed, applicants must be sent to your nearest Police Area Command (PAC) that is closest to your residential address. Other nearby specialist command options may be listed in the Application.
Note: This is a highly sought-after volunteer role and is commonly subject to limited availability. This may lead to extended periods of delay as applications are processed and positions are made available. Following an interview, successful applicants will be invited to join the VIP program by signing a Voluntary Arrangement document to enter the program.