The Volunteers in Police Service program, a new professional division providing volunteers with non-enforcement positions, has started volunteer training.

The program’s first training day, held for eight hours Nov. 10, introduced accepted applicants to the Sheriff’s Department.

“It was basically an orientation day,” said Sgt. Brian Smallwood, program coordinator. “We welcomed volunteers, who passed a background investigation, to the Sheriff’s Department and introduced them to the administration.”

Smallwood said the volunteers, a total of eight, took a tour of the jail, Public Safety Communications Center and the Sheriff’s Department facilities.

“Volunteers also received their practitioner’s training for Criminal Justice Practice from the communications center,” Smallwood said.

The training also gave volunteers and representatives of the Sheriff’s Department an opportunity to review the volunteer handbook.

“We talked to volunteers about what they can expect from the program and what we would like to see from them,” Smallwood said.

The Volunteers in Police Service program allows people of the community to become part of a team that assists the Sheriff’s Department through a variety of tasks that do not require certification, including citizens’ patrol, administrative support, office staffing and technical services.

Sheriff Clint McRae said he was very excited about the program.

“It will not only help educate the public on what our law enforcement departments do but also create positive communication between the communities of Walker County and law enforcement,” McRae said.

Smallwood said the volunteers will be an extra set of eyes and ears for the department.

“After law enforcement has responded to events in high crime neighborhoods, it’s important to communicate with residents in these areas,” McRae said. “Citizens’ patrol is a proactive way for team members to visit with high crime neighborhood residents and gather intelligence that will assist in our investigations and solving crimes.”

Neighborhood watch meetings are planned that will allow volunteers to assist in educating residents on crime prevention. Volunteers will also attend other community meetings as well.

“Our agency not only wants to be involved with criminal issues of the county but with community activity as well,” McRae said.

Team members may also help with directing traffic, public relations, clerical work and fingerprinting.

“Law enforcement, not only in Walker County but in other areas as well, will always battle a shortage of personnel,” McRae said. “It is our mission for the Volunteers in Police Service team members to provide support for our sworn officers to focus on their primary duties.”

Uniforms and equipment will be provided as volunteers host various fundraisers in the community and Smallwood said the program has already received a few donations.

“Hillcrest Ford has generously donated a vehicle for us to use for the program, Wal-Mart has donated pants for the uniforms and Tangent Signs in Huntsville will be working on decals for our uniforms,” Smallwood said.

McRae said volunteers will be clearly identified by wearing uniforms labeled ‘Citizens on Patrol.’

“We want residents to know that volunteers are here for the benefit of the public,” McRae said.

Smallwood said he expects to receive more applications from residents interested in the program.

“I’ve already received applications from several people who are going through the background investigation now,” Smallwood said.

Volunteers must be 21 years of age or older, have good moral character, a good driving record, no felony convictions, be a current U.S. citizen and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Volunteers must also have good people skills, wear approved uniforms, attend monthly meetings, have at least two patrol members per vehicle, volunteer at least 16 hours per month, maintain a positive attitude and present a professional appearance at all times.

“We are looking for key people who want to help and truly have an interest,” McRae said. “It’s a great opportunity for residents to meet new people, gain valuable work experience and take pride in knowing they are a part of our crime reduction solution.”

“We are extremely looking forward to recruiting more residents and continuing to provide quality service to Walker County.”

The program continues to accept applications, and brochures can picked from the Walker County Sheriff’s Department.

For more information, call (936) 435-2400.