At the October University City Community Association (UCCA) meeting, Lt. Edwin Manansala, in response to questions from community members, highlighted several volunteer opportunities with the San Diego Police Department.
- Volunteers In Policing (V.I.P.)
- Area Station V.I.P. – Assist area station by conducting follow up research, verify reports, telephone calls of witnesses and victims; complete police crime reports; answering phones, filing and other office tasks.
- Storefront V.I.P. – Help police staff community relations office by answering phones, handling walk-in inquires, distributing information on police services, etc.
- Telephone Report Unit V.I.P. – Take police reports over the phone of minor and “no suspect” crimes, ensure proper elements of crime type exist.
- Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol (R.S.V.P.)
- Assist Area Stations in providing an increased level of crime prevention programs within specific geographic boundaries by providing additional resources to Department; perform vacation house checks, You Are Not Alone checks, etc.; promote community awareness and acceptance of R.S.V.P. program.
- Crisis Intervention
- Assist police by responding to scenes to assist citizens who have been affected by a crime or other critical incident. Provide emotional and logistical support, referrals, resources.
- Reserves
- Work with full-time police officers in practically the same capacity.
- STAR/PAL Youth Program (Sports Training, Academics & Recreation / Police Athletic League)
- STAR/PAL Homework Assistant – Provide homework assistance and some remedial help to students studying in City or County branch libraries at various locations.
- STAR/PAL Sports/Special Events Assistant – Assist with youth athletic or recreational activities, including score keeping, judging, timing, umpiring, set up/take down, food service, etc. May include football, track & field, soccer, basketball, swimming, fishing, math olympiads, etc.
For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities with the San Diego Police Department, visit https://www.sandiego.gov/volunteer-program/opportunities/police
For more information about University City’s Neighborhood Watch program, visit https://www.universitycitynews.org/neighborhood-watch/
