Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

Volunteers directly represent the Denver Police Department and must follow all Department and City rules and regulations.  In addition, volunteers will be handling confidential and sensitive information requiring volunteers to be professional, accountable, trustworthy, and reliable.

What are the minimum qualifications?  Volunteers must be:

• At least 18 years old.
• Able to pass a comprehensive background check.
• Able to commit a minimum of 30 hours per year (January 1- December 31)

An applicant must successfully pass five different stages in our application process to be accepted into the VIPS program.  At the completion of each stage, our office evaluates each application for disqualifiers.  While there are firm disqualifiers, applicants are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and the decision to accept them into the program is based off findings from all stages.  There is no appeal for disqualification from the VIPS program.

Automatic disqualifiers include:

• Conviction of a felony or any offense that would qualify as a felony under Colorado Revised Statutes
• Sale of any illegal drug or substance, or prescription medication illegally
• Illegal use of narcotics in the past five years
• Arrested for any crime or charged with a major traffic offense (DUI, DWAI, Suspension of License, or Driving without Insurance) during the past five years

We are always expanding our program to include positions all over the department, so our open opportunities change weekly.  Opportunities ranging from administrative support, receptionists, photographers, fingerprinting, scenario role playing, and community outreach.  Positions are assigned based on interest, skills, and availability.  Positions are flexible, giving you the freedom to explore the Department. To see a list of our most recent open positions, please visit our Facebook page at:  www.facebook.com/DenverPoliceVIPS

Some of our recently filled volunteer opportunities:

• 16th Street Mall Kiosk
• Traffic Investigations Unit
• Scenario Role Playing at Police Academy
• Administrative Assistance for: Major Crimes, Special Operations, Chief of Police, Volunteers in Police Service
• Fingerprinting
• Social Media Translation
• Crime Prevention Flyer Distribution
• Active Shooter Training Scenarios

Because Denver Police Department volunteers are held to a high standard, the application process is thorough.  On average, applications take four to six weeks to process.  There have been applications that have taken longer to process dependent on volume of applications received, how quickly we are able to contact your references, and complete a background check.

To begin:

• Submit application. Download an application(PDF, 504KB), complete, sign and return by mail or in person. Or fill out our easy online form.
• Background check and criminal history. This will include contacting personal and professional references. You can help speed up the process by advising your references that we will be contacting them. Updated contact information is a must.
• Suitability interview. We will conduct an interview with you after your application has been processed in order to ensure we find the best fit for you. This is informal, and is designed to make sure you are getting the return that will best benefit you and the department.
• Fingerprint and photograph. This is for your new ID badge and is required even if you have been fingerprinted in the past.
• Completion of Volunteer Orientation class. This 30 to 60 minute class introduces you to DPD life and how our program operates.

How much time am I expected to give?

We know your time is valuable and we appreciate you being willing to give yours!  You may commit any number of hours to your position; however, we do require a minimum of 30 hours between January 1st to December 31st in order to remain active in the program.

Why should I volunteer?

Police departments across the country are facing budget restrictions, and officers are often spending time doing tasks that are not the most beneficial to their communities.  Volunteers are instrumental in freeing up officers’ time to allow them to play a more active role on the streets and in their original positions.  It is also a great way to get involved in your community and make a positive impact on your neighborhood.  With your support, communities can help support law enforcement and make cities a safer place!

Do I need to be a resident of Denver?

While many of our volunteers are residents of Denver, anyone residing within driving distance of our stations are welcome to volunteer.

Is the Community Academy part of the Volunteers in Police Service?

No, but the VIP program and Community Academy are operated out of the same office.  If you are interested in attending a Community Academy, or just learning more about the program, visit the Community Academy page.

Can I volunteer if I smoke marijuana?

The Denver Police Department has a no tolerance policy when it comes to any type of drug (including marijuana and medical marijuana) for its employees and volunteers.  While marijuana is legal in Denver, it is illegal federally.

Internship Program: The Internship is intended for college students who are exploring career fields and/or whose degree requires an internship.  Students that are looking to experience how DPD/DSD is involved in the community, different departments within the police department/sheriff department and the multiple aspects of being a police officer/sheriff should apply.  Please see below for internship duration and application deadlines:

• Fall (early August – mid December) – Application deadline June 30th
• Spring (early January – late May) – Application deadline November 30th
• Summer (early June – early August) – Application deadline March 31st

Interns can choose to stay longer with supervisor and VIPS approval.  Academic fields recommended for participants in the study areas of Social Work, Human Services, Business, Non-Profit, Public Service, Criminal Justice, Marketing, Paralegal, Legal.

To apply, please visit our electronic application or download our printable application(PDF, 529KB).

The purpose of the Denver Police Chaplains Unit is to provide spiritual and emotional guidance and counseling to all members of the Denver Police Department, both sworn and civilian, and their families in time of need.  The Denver Police Department Chaplains Unit is Inter-Faith and our Chaplains minister to all people within the Department regardless of their faith membership or faith background.

To apply, please download a printable application(PDF, 568KB) or follow the link to our electronic application.

Some examples of the work of our Chaplains includes:

• Attendance at roll-calls, trainings, and debriefings of critical incidents.
• Response to the hospital room of injured officers: to be available to the officer, the officer’s family, and other officers.
• Offer invocations and benedictions at departmental ceremonies such as promotions, awards, graduations, etc.
• Officiate Departmental Memorial services and other life cycle events for officers and their families.

If you have any questions regarding our police chaplains or have an interest in serving as a police chaplain, please contact our office at 720-913-6816.