Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

 

The Volunteers In Police Service (VIPS) Program partners the community with the Denver Police Department.

Volunteers assist the department with police responsiveness, service delivery, and data entry. Volunteers bring new skills to the department as police ambassadors - and whatever your skill set is – you can make a difference in your community.

Application Process

Step 1.Understand volunteer expectations

Volunteers:

  • represent the department and must follow all rules and regulations
  • are expected to maintain confidentiality as they may handle sensitive information
  • must be professional, accountable, trustworthy, and reliable

Step 2.Meet the qualifications

Volunteers must be:

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

You must pass five stages in our application process.  We review disqualifiers on a case-by-case basis. There is no appeal for disqualification from the program.

Automatic disqualifiers include:

  • A felony conviction or any offense that qualifies as a felony under Colorado Revised Statutes
  • Illegal sale of any drug, substance, or prescription medication
  • Illegal use of narcotics in the past five years (including marijuana or any other cannabis-related substance)
  • Arrested for any crime in the past five years
  • Charged with a major traffic offense (DUI, DWAI, Suspension of License, or Driving without Insurance) in the past five years

Step 3.Submit an online application

Apply Online

Step 4.Wait for a response

Applications take about four to six weeks to process, but may take longer.

Step 5.Background check and criminal history

This includes contacting personal and professional references. You can speed up the process by providing accurate contact information and letting your references know that we will contact them.

Step 6.Suitability interview

We will invite you for an informal interview after we process your application to ensure the best fit.

Step 7.Fingerprint and photograph

We require these for your new ID badge.

Step 8.Orientation class

This 30- to 60-minute class introduces you to DPD life and how the volunteer program operates.

Current Openings

We are always expanding our program to include positions all over the department, so opportunities change weekly.  Opportunities range from administrative support, receptionists, photographers, fingerprinting, scenario role playing, and community outreach.  Positions are assigned based on interest, skills, and availability.

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

FAQs

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.

Can I apply in-person or by mail?

Yes, you may download an application(PDF, 504KB), complete, sign, and return it to us.

Additional Programs

Teen Volunteer Program

The Denver Police Department is looking for teens who are interested in volunteering during the summer months to work alongside Denver police officers and staff.

The application process opens March, 2021 and closes on May 1, 2021. The program runs from June-August and teen volunteers must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be attending high school in the 2020-2021 school year and be between the ages of 16-19 as of June 12, 2021.
  • Complete the application and background check process to include:
  1. Two letters of recommendation from an adult familiar with the applicant
  2. An in-person interview
  • Attend the program orientation
  • Complete at least 20 hours of volunteer time at designated DPD Volunteer Activities

For more information, please visit: https://forms.gle/dCiWNQAR8NBMiLH4A

Internships

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).

Denver Police Chaplains

Chaplain providing counsel to officerThe Denver Police Chaplains Unit provides 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.

Contact Us

Volunteers in Police Service
1331 Cherokee Street
Room 110
Denver, CO  80204
Phone: 720-913-6877
Email: DPDVIP@denvergov.org

 

Winners of the 2018 & 2020 “Leadership in Volunteers in Police Service Award” by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

 

VIPS Policy Manual(PDF, 893KB)

Volunteer Application Packet(PDF, 504KB)

Annual Report(PDF, 3MB)

 

VIPS Program Overview and Origin

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