Volunteer Patrol Program

Volunteers

If you have the time, we have a job for you! The Paso Robles Police Department volunteers come from all walks of life, from professionals that are still in the workforce to retired senior citizens. Volunteers perform many important functions. Their participation allows police officers and other criminal justice employees to spend more time conducting proactive law enforcement activities.

Prospective members of the Community Volunteer Patrol Program (CVPP) will receive instruction and hands on training on topics that includes:

• Departmental Policy and Procedures
• Emergency Vehicle Operations
• First Aid and CPR
• Laws and Regulations
• Patrol Procedures
• Traffic Control

Duties

CVPP members function first and foremost as the "eyes and ears" of the Paso Robles Police Department. Members patrol the city with CVPP’s own marked, radio equipped patrol cars looking for anything which may need police attention: a reckless driver, an open business door after hours, a suspicious person, etc. When something is observed, a radio call is made to the Dispatch Center where an officer is notified to take action. CVPP members conduct traffic and crowd control at special events such as parades, the California Mid-State Fair and downtown events. Other duties include vacation house watch checks, crime scene protection and traffic control at accident sites. Members may also be called upon for Search and Rescue work.

Any applicant that is 21 years of age or older may apply by picking up an application at the Public Safety Center Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or you can call the CVPP direct line at 805-227-7533.

Volunteer Applications can also be downloaded here (PDF).

Membership Requirements

Members are men and women from age 21 to 65 plus who are in good physical condition, willing to work at least two four hour shifts and attend a two hour training meeting each month, pass a background check, enjoy public contact and present a professional image.

Prior to assignment, a 40-hour Training Academy is required covering:

• Benefits of Membership
• CPR and First Aid
• Crime Prevention
• Crime Scene Protection
• Legal Issues...and more
• Orientation/Organization
• Patrol and Observation Skills
• Radio/Communications
• Traffic Control

In addition to serving the community, members learn exactly how the Police Department operates and why things are done in certain ways. They also receive professional training in all aspects of their work and they learn a great deal about our city and its people.

More information about the Paso Robles Community Volunteer Patrol Program is available by contacting CVPP at 805-227-7533 or by visiting the CVPP website.