SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - On June 22, the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office announced they are looking for additional volunteers to round out the variety of programs they offer the community. Despite the fact many living within county lines are unaware volunteer tasks even exist, residents should know that the tasks available often coincide with duties of trained law enforcement. Many of the county’s volunteers have experience working as a police officer or in emergency services, however, anyone who is of applicable age and meets the requirements is welcome to give their time.

According to the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, there are currently five different divisions volunteers are welcome to apply to: The Sheriff’s Amateur Radio Program (SHARP), Volunteer Reserve Officer, Volunteers in Partnership with the Sheriff (VIPS), Search & Rescue, and a youth program called the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Explorer Program.

SHARP was created in 1977 after an increase in theft crimes hit the region. It was further inspired by the level of participation from the community that came about when the Police were working to apprehend the East Area Rapist. It became clear that year how valuable citizens were when it came to operating radio and helping to relay emergency information. All volunteers are licensed by the FCC, and, according to their website, “have the responsibility of assisting the Sacramento County Emergency Operations Center with any emergency requiring auxiliary communication.”

VIPS meanwhile, provide clerical support, work in the Community Service Center, assist with Missing Person follow-ups, and patrol neighborhoods. They are granted authority to report code and parking violations, perform vacation checks on homes, and other basic Officer duties as directed by patrol.

Margie, a VIPS since 2013 stated, “After I retired as a teacher, I wanted to give back to the community a little more and have something to do. The main reason I do this is to help the public and the small chores I do for the department keep that kind of thing off the shoulders of the deputies, so they are able to do more to keep us safe.”

Those wishing to be a VIPS should note it is one of the biggest time commitments – the Sheriff’s Office requires its volunteer team to give at least 16 hours per month – and participants should realize they won’t necessarily be the most popular people in town. Since the VIPS are known for issuing citations throughout the County, they sometimes ruffle the feathers of those on the receiving end. When asked about the volunteer group, resident Stephanie Vasquez stated, “No thank you! You couldn’t pay me to be around crooked people.”

For those who have a passion for serving with law enforcement, volunteering at the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office is not just for adults. The Sheriff’s Office Explorer Program is another group that’s been around since the 1970s and is aimed at young people aged 14-20 who are interested in a career in law enforcement. As resident Bill Shanklin stated, the youth involved in the program are “our hope for the future.”

Explorers learn self-defense, training in search and seizure laws and arrests, practice public speaking and learn to work on a team. There are also opportunities for Explorers to compete with sister groups around the nation.

If you wish to become a volunteer with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, you can request an application by emailing [email protected] or calling 916-874-7339.