Volunteer Program

** Download a brochure about the Cotati Police Department Volunteer Program.

** Download the application to the Cotati Police Department Volunteer Program.

What is V.I.P.S.? (Volunteers in Police Service)

The Volunteers in Police Service, are a group of ordinary citizens dedicated to exemplary community service and public awareness through the Cotati Police Department.

The Cotati Police Department volunteer program is affiliated with the National Volunteers in Police Service program, which is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. For more information , log onto the National V.I.P.S. web site www.policevolunteers.org

Volunteer Duties

"It is with great pleasure that I invite you to participate in the rewarding experience of community service. As a service organization we strive to provide the highest level of service to the community. Your volunteerism can and will make a positive difference. Please join the men and women of the Cotati Police Department in our mission of public safety."

  • Assist stranded motorists
  • Graffiti Patrol
  • Directing Traffic at fire, accident, or crime scenes
  • Enforcement of Parking Violations
  • Assist Police Officers in the field
  • Special Enforcement and Extra Patrols
  • Neighborhood Patrols and Vacation House Checks
  • Searching for lost or Missing Children
  • Vehicle Abatements
  • Clerical & Office Work
  • Fleet Maintenance
  • Crime Prevention Programs
  • Much, much more

Volunteer Application Process

THE APPLICATION

The candidate must complete an application and a confidentiality waiver. Resumes can be attached to the completed application, but will not be a substitute for the original application. These documents must be forwarded to the V.I.P.S. Coordinator, Sgt. Chris Parker at 203 W. Sierra Ave, Cotati CA 94931. You can email Chris Parker at CParker@ci.cotati.ca.us.

APPLICATION REVIEW

The V.I.P.S. Coordinator and the Chief of Police will review the applications and schedule an interview.

INTERVIEW

The interview will be conducted as an oral board with several members of the Cotati Police Department.

BACKGROUND CHECK

The background investigation is a critical portion of the process. The department, because of the sensitive nature of the information you are exposed to, will thoroughly review the following: criminal history, including fingerprint submittal, driving history, employment history, credit history, references, etc.

POLYGRAPH EXAM

A polygraph exam will be scheduled and conducted by a licensed polygrapher.

MEDICAL EXAM

Upon successful completion of the polygraph exam, the applicant will be scheduled to complete a medical examination.

MINIMUM VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS:

The applicant must be at least 18 years of age, and a U.S. Citizen and possess a valid California drivers license.

ACCEPTANCE OR NONACCEPTANCE

Candidates who have been successful with passing all elements of the testing will be considered for placement into the program.

Upon acceptance into the program the candidate will be scheduled for a uniform fitting and training sessions. The training is an 80 hour extensive training course which will cover department policies, local / state laws, officer safety, city orientation, scenario testing, and much more.

THE COTATI POLICE DEPARTMENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY

  • V. Hutchison (Cotati Resident)
  • 21st Century Health Club

If you are interested in supporting our program, thourgh financial contributions, or the donations of goods or services, please contact the V.I.P.S. coordinator, Sgt. C. Parker at CParker@ci.cotati.ca.us.