How Do I Participate?

Management of Volunteers
The effectiveness of many nonprofit organizations, particularly those that rely on large numbers of volunteers, can be greatly enhanced by utilizing the organizational skills of individuals who have supervisory or management experience.  These “volunteer managers” are needed to provide leadership, administrative and communication skills to enable nonprofit groups to effectively recruit, train and mobilize their frontline volunteers.  Opportunities exist in a wide variety of community-based organizations, and within the Police and Fire Departments. 

Neighborhood Watch Association
Neighborhood Watch was created to bring private citizens and law enforcement together to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.  It brings to life the simple concept of neighbors watching out for neighbors.  There are over 1,000 Neighborhood Watch Groups located throughout Fresno, and volunteers may join an existing group or establish one in their neighborhood. 

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
Since September 11, the demands on local law enforcement agencies have increased dramatically.  As a result, already limited resources are being stretched further at a time when our country needs every available officer out on the beat.  VIPS draws on the time and considerable talents of civilian volunteers to perform in a wide variety of roles and allows law enforcement professionals to better perform their frontline duties.

• Volunteers in Police Administration
  Volunteers In Police Services perform primarily administrative/non-patrol functions for the Fresno Police Department, which frees up sworn personnel to handle critical public safety needs.  Volunteers are assigned to several departments; including traffic analysis, community services, investigations, business operations, dispatch, records bureau and property and evidence. 
  
  
  

• Citizens on Patrol (COPs)
  The Citizens on Patrol program is one of the Fresno Police Department’s most successful programs. COPs are the additional "eyes and ears" of the Fresno Police Department. The civilian unit provides crime deterrence though high-visibility patrol, reporting in-progress crimes and documenting suspicious persons or activities within an assigned patrol area. This is a uniformed, non-confrontational volunteer position, with all training based on that foundation.
  
  For information or to request an application contact Officer Michael Scholl at 621-2346 or michael.scholl@fresno.gov  
    
  
  
• Fresno P.D. Reserve Unit
  The Fresno Police Department is fortunate to have a Reserve Unit of highly committed and dedicated individuals who take great pride in their work. The City of Fresno is looking for highly motivated individuals who have a desire to provide valuable assistance to the community and the Department through service as a Reserve Police Officer. Explore this exciting opportunity to see what a career in law enforcement is really like. Feel the pride and satisfaction generated by being part of the team of citizens who take an active role in establishing the City of Fresno as a safer and productive community where their families and loved ones can grow and prosper.
  For additional info Please contact the Reserve Coordinator at 559-621-2345 or click on the link below.
  http://www.fresno.gov/Government/DepartmentDirectory/Police/EmploymentandVolunteerService/PoliceReserveUnit/JoinPoliceReserves.htm
  
  
• Citizens’ Police Academy
  The Academy is designed to provide community members with a working knowledge of all aspects of the Fresno Police Department’s operations and special units; including SWAT, Mounted Patrol, K-9s, Skywatch, and more. The 17-week evening academy is offered in English, Spanish and Southeast Asian languages to residents over the age of 18.  Upon completion of the course, graduates are uniquely qualified for volunteer assignments in the Fresno Police Department.
  
  For additional information contact:
  Senior CSO Lindsay Hughes
  Fresno Police Department
  (559) 621-2349
  Lindsay.hughes@fresno.gov
  
  Click here to print an invitation from Chief Jerry Dyer and an application form.
  
  
  
• Care Fresno
  Care Fresno, a partnership between the Police Department, One by One Leadership and community volunteers, establishes neighborhood resource centers and provides other valuable services in apartment complexes that have high numbers of calls for police service. Volunteers staff the resource centers and provide students with help with homework and reading, and provide children with a safe, enjoyable and educational place to go after school.
  For additional information call (559) 233-2000.
  
  
• Crime Stoppers
  Crime Stoppers is a community-based organization that reduces crime by offering rewards to citizens for information leading to the arrest and arraignment of wanted criminals.  The program is supported by numerous local businesses and nearly every media outlet in the Fresno area.  Volunteers may participate in administrative activities, or organizing public events.
  For additional information, please call (559) 621-2350.
  
  
  

Fire Department Volunteers
The Fresno Fire Department is increasing the use of volunteers in the Department.  Opportunities exist in the Junior Firesetters Counseling Program, Burn Aware Program, Fire and Life Safety Fairs and other community events, fire station docents, installing smoke detectors for the elderly, and provision of support services for fire fighters at emergency events. 

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) The Community Emergency Response Team program trains citizens to be better prepared to respond to emergencies in their communities. CERT members provide critical support to professional first-responders, by assisting victims and providing skilled support at disaster sites. CERT volunteers receive 20 hours of specialized training in fire suppression, disaster medical operations, search and rescue and more.

For additional information contact:
CitizenCorps@Fresno.gov
(559) 621-2328

Click here to print a course description and an interest form.

Medical Reserve Corps
Medical Reserve volunteers will assist medical professionals in responding to large-scale local emergencies, and will help meet the public health needs of the community throughout the year. Volunteers may be current or retired health professionals in the medical, dental, public health, and mental health fields, among others.

Fresno Citizen Corps Administration
The Citizen Corps Council is dedicated to increasing the opportunities for volunteers to serve the community, and will itself utilize volunteers to perform administrative duties and assist with special events.

How Else Can I Participate:
Fresno has a strong and diverse network of nonprofit and governmental organizations that offer a broad range of volunteer opportunities.  You can get detailed information about those opportunities and be matched to a position that interests you by visiting www.volunteerfresno.org.