Volunteer at EPD
About Our Volunteers
The Eugene Police Department’s Volunteers in Policing Program partners citizens and police in support of our crime prevention and community policing efforts. As a Eugene Police volunteer, you will have a front-row seat for behind-the-scenes operations of law enforcement. We recruit a wide range of volunteers from all demographics; we recruit people at all ages (18+), levels of income, and diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. When citizens who receive police services are helping to design, prioritize, and even deliver services, a closer connection is made between the Police Department and the public. This is what community policing is all about.
Last year, 71 volunteers contributed 11,310 hours of service to the department and the community with an added value of $338,735. The national average value of volunteer time is developed by the Independent Sector and is currently $29.95.
Volunteer Teams
We have a wide variety of volunteer placement possibilities, and we work with volunteer candidates to find the ideal placement. We continuously accept applications for volunteers on our Squad Car Maintenance Team and on our Seniors on Patrol Team.
Eugene Police Department Volunteer Position Description
Squad Car Maintenance Team
Team Supervisor
Lindy Smith, Volunteers in Policing Program Manager
Location
Eugene Police Headquarters, 300 Country Club Road
Schedule
Teams of two operate Monday through Friday, 8am-noon and 1pm-5pm.
Commitment
Must commit to a minimum of one 4-hour shift/week for at least 12 months of service. Time off and vacations are allowed.
Objective
Assist the Eugene Police Department by performing minor maintenance checks, cleaning, and shuttling police vehicles.
Description of Duties
- Perform minor maintenance checks, ensure that lights are functioning properly and check fluid levels.
- Shuttle vehicles needing repairs or preventive maintenance to and from Fleet Services.
- Perform vehicle trunk checks; replenish supplies and equipment as needed.
- Wash the exterior and clean the interior of vehicles.
- Keep inventory and order all supplies associated with the stocking and cleaning of vehicles.
- Periodically seal the bio-hazard box and assemble a new one. Contact Sani-Pac to pick up sealed boxes and drop off replacements.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills
- Able to pass a police background check
- Valid Oregon Driver’s License and good driving record
- Schedule flexibility to allow for attendance at trainings/meetings
- Responsive and timely with email correspondence
- Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to 35 pounds
- Be supportive of the Eugene Police Department, its mission, and comfortable working within a police environment
Dress Code
Uniform shirts, jacket and cap are issued by the department. Most team members wear jeans.
Training and Preparation
On-the-job training is provided.
Eugene Police Department Volunteer Position Description
Seniors on Patrol Team
Team Supervisor
Harlow Meno, Program Manager, Community Engagement Team
Location
Eugene Police Headquarters, 300 Country Club Road
Schedule
Team operates seven days/week (summer hours are generally 6am-9pm; winter hours are generally 6am-6pm).
Commitment
Must provide a minimum of one 5-hour shift per week for 18 months of service
Objective
Address neighborhood crime and safety issues by observing and reporting suspicious activity and providing a highly visible and mobile community policing function. Serve as extra eyes, ears and helping hands, allowing officers to devote a greater amount of time to performing proactive law enforcement functions that require a sworn officer.
Description of Duties
- In teams of two, patrol streets, bike paths and parks.
- Observe and report unlawful or questionable activities.
- Conduct “vacation checks” for residents of Eugene.
- Assist with efforts to prevent vehicle break-ins.
- Shuttle marked police decoy vehicles.
- Issue citations to violators of signed disabled parking spaces.
- Using radar guns, observe and log speeders, as part of a traffic calming program where educational letters are sent to registered owners of vehicles traveling 10+ miles over the posted speed limit.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to pass a police background check
- Valid Oregon Driver’s License and good driving record
- Schedule flexibility to allow for attendance at trainings/meetings
- Responsive and timely with email correspondence
- Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to 35 pounds
- Ability to hear radio transmissions and communicate clearly on radio
- Be supportive of the Eugene Police Department, its mission, and comfortable working within a police environment
Dress Code
Uniform shirts, jacket, cap, pants and shorts are issued by the department.
Training and Preparation
- Training includes driver training, use of department radio and other communication equipment, first aid, department policies and procedures, etc.
- Additional training incorporated into monthly team meetings.
Eugene Police Department Volunteer Position Description
Subpoena Service Team
Team Supervisor
Lindy Smith, VIP Program Manager and Court Liaison staff
Location
Eugene Police Headquarters, 300 Country Club Road
Schedule
Team operates Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm.
Commitment
Minimum of two 5-hour shifts per month for one year of service.
Objective
Assist the Court Liaison Unit by locating subjects and serving subpoenas.
Description of Duties
- Volunteers use law enforcement computer programs, reports, and resources to locate the individuals to whom subpoenas must be served.
- Team members then contact the designated recipients to determine the best way to facilitate subpoena service.
- If the subpoena will be served in person, volunteers will drive in teams of two to meet the victims or witnesses at home, school, or place of employment.
- Volunteers are equipped with uniforms, police radio, and cell phones.
- All subpoenas are pre-screened; subpoena delivery that could put a volunteer’s personal safety at risk are routed to an officer for service.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to pass a police background check
- Valid Oregon Driver’s License and good driving record
- Schedule flexibility to allow for attendance at trainings/meetings
- Basic to intermediate level of computer knowledge/experience
- Responsive and timely with email correspondence
- Commitment to comply with confidentiality requirements and police policies
- Be supportive of Eugene Police, its mission, and comfortable working within a police environment
Dress Code
Team members are issued volunteer uniforms to wear on duty.
Training and Preparation
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Additional training incorporated into monthly team meetings.
Eugene Police Department Volunteer Position Description
Huckleberry Patrol Team
Team Supervisor
Paul Bishop, Program Manager, Downtown Public Safety Station
Location
Downtown Public Safety Station, 960 Olive Street
Schedule
The team operates approximately April/May to October/November depending on the weather.
Commitment
One three-hour shift per week for a minimum of six months
Objective
Graffiti abatement
Description of Duties
- Volunteers locate, photograph, document and remove graffiti primarily on private property, in midtown Eugene (11th to 15th, Charnelton to Ferry) and surrounding blocks. Upon locating graffiti, volunteers make contact with the property manager or owner to invite them to fill out a hold harmless agreement so that in the future, they can remove graffiti at that location whenever they see it.
- Depending on the surface, the team uses either paint or an organic graffiti remover spray.
- Volunteers operate in teams of two, wear blue safety vests that identify them as Eugene Police volunteers, and may ride bicycles provided by the department.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Able to pass police background check
- Schedule flexibility to allow for attendance at trainings/meetings
- Minimum 3-hour shift per week for 6 months of service (vacations and time off are allowed)
- Ability to lift, carry, and move items up to 35 pounds
- Responsive and timely with email correspondence
- Be supportive of Eugene Police Department, its mission, and comfortable working within a police environment
- Commitment to comply with confidentiality requirements and police procedures
- Minimum age: 18
Dress Code
Casual attire and department-issued vest.
Training and Preparation
On-the-job training supplemented with department-sponsored hazardous materials training.
Eugene Police Department Volunteer Position Description
Image Retrieval Team
Team Supervisor
Jason Petersen, Forensic Evidence Unit Supervisor
Location
Eugene Police Headquarters, 300 Country Club Road
Schedule
This two-person team works on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9am-5pm.
Commitment
One 4-hour shift/week for a minimum of one year.
Objective
Assist officers and detectives by retrieving surveillance videos from businesses.
Background
As technology improves and video surveillance systems become more affordable, there are increasing numbers of crimes captured on video. However, officers and detectives are frequently so busy with their caseloads that they do not have time to retrieve the video before it is deleted or recorded over. The Image Retrieval Team was formed in early 2009 to assist with timely retrievals in response to increasing availability of surveillance video. Since their formation, the team has received over 2,000 requests for video retrieval. The volunteers operate with partners to retrieve video and lodge it into evidence.
Description of Duties
- Review email and case information pertaining to image retrieval requests.
- Contact local businesses to determine whether surveillance video is available.
- Schedule appointments with businesses to retrieve video.
- Follow specific protocol to lodge video into evidence at the Evidence Control Unit.
- Update activity reports and email officers/detectives information on retrieved videos.
Requirements
- Strong interpersonal skills, including listening and communicating in person and over the phone
- Intermediate level of computer knowledge/experience (email, Word, Excel)
- Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Capacity to work independently with limited close supervision
- Schedule flexibility to allow for attendance at trainings/meetings
- Commitment to comply with confidentiality requirements and police policies
- Be supportive of Eugene Police, its mission, and comfortable working within a police environment
- Ability to pass a police background check
- Valid Oregon Driver’s License and good driving record
- Minimum age to apply for this assignment is 21
Dress Code
Team members are issued uniforms to wear on duty
Training and Preparation
- On-the-job training is provided.
- Additional training incorporated into monthly team meetings.
Eugene Police Department Volunteer Position Description
Downtown Support Team
Team Supervisor
Paul Bishop, Station Manager
Location
Downtown Public Safety Station, 960 Olive Street
Schedule
Midday
Commitment
One 3-hour shift per week (11 am to 2 pm) for a minimum of six months. Participation in periodic team meetings. Time off and vacations are allowed
Objective
To provide a highly visible and mobile positive alternate police presence in downtown Eugene. Support EPD staff; build a positive relationship with downtown businesses and visitors.
Description of Duties
- In teams of two, patrol streets within the designated downtown perimeters.
- Assist sworn officers, CSOs, and CET personnel as requested.
- Participate in community-focused and department-sponsored special events and activities such as First Friday Art Walk, Farmer’s Market, Saturday Market, and more.
- Contact businesses to provide information regarding creating or renewing trespass letters.
- Provide information to businesses regarding graffiti abatement/Huckleberry Patrol.
- Maintain a shift activity report tracking locations and businesses contacted.
- Special assignments
Spray painting with stencils “No Trespassing” on sidewalks/curbs
Assist with preschoolers street crossing safety.
Supportive presence at the Public Library, the Dining Room, or other downtown entities.
Qualifications
- Skills in listening and communicating.
- Positive and supportive attitude with people of all backgrounds and abilities.
- Supportive of the philosophy of the Eugene Police Department and comfortable working within a public safety environment which sometimes involves people-related emergencies and crisis/conflict management.
Requirements
- Must have a schedule that is flexible enough to allow for one 3-hour midday shift per week and one team meeting per month
- Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to pass a police background check
- Ability to send and receive e-mail from home
- Ability to operate equipment such as radio and cell phone
- Ability to lift, carry and move items up to 35 pounds
- Ability to hear radio transmissions and communicate clearly on the radio
- Positive and supportive attitude with people of all backgrounds and abilities
- Capacity to work independently with limited close supervision
- Must be supportive of EPD, its mission, and comfortable working within a police environment
- Willingness to conform to quality control of work and accept feedback. Ability to take direction and follow instructions given by paid staff
- Commitment to comply with confidentiality requirements and police procedures
- Willingness to ask questions and seek clarification if unsure of task
Dress Code
Uniform shirts, jacket, cap, pants and shorts are issued by the department.
Training and Preparation
- Orientation with the VIP Program Manager and on-the-job training with DPSS Station Manager and Sergeant.
- Participation in a 6-week field training that includes use of department radio and other communication equipment, first aid/CPR/AED, department policies and procedures, etc.
- Training incorporated into monthly team meetings.
- Other individualized training as needed.
- You must be able to pass a background investigation. The background investigation includes a criminal history check and extensive employment and social reference checks.
- You must have a commitment to comply with confidentiality requirements and police policies.
- You must be willing to comply with the City of Eugene’s drug-free policy.
- You must be supportive of the Eugene Police Department and comfortable working within a police environment which sometimes involves people-related emergencies and crisis conflict management.
- Some assignments require volunteers to be 18 years of age or older, other assignments require volunteers to be retired.
- Most assignments require a minimum commitment of one four-hour shift per week for three months of service.
Process for Becoming a Volunteer
- Fill out an application for volunteer service.
- Interview with the VIP Program Manager at Eugene Police Headquarters.
- Complete a Personal History Questionnaire.
- Background Investigation; includes a criminal history check and extensive employment and social reference checks.
- If you pass the background investigation, you will be notified by the VIP Program Manager and scheduled for orientation.
- Orientation at Eugene Police Headquarters.
Quotes about the VIP Program
"I started volunteering with EPD at the strong urging of a friend. I drug my feet because, after all...what did I have to offer these professional people? I’m not a mechanic and will probably get lost in areas outside my shopping area! But my sense of wanting to give back to my community won and I’ve never regretted that decision. In a blink of an eye, five years have now passed and I’m so proud to say I’ve met an outstanding group of EPD employees and volunteers who are knowledgeable, professional, friendly, dedicated people who are always willing to work together! I’ve assisted with "kid camps" from kindergarten to middle school age, signature events like Prevention Convention, bicycle registration events, "lock it or lose it" awareness events as well as assisted with office responsibilities. I always come away from assignments more informed than before and feeling that I get far more back than I give!! It’s truly very rewarding for me."
Pam Ehlers (volunteer since 2009)
“I volunteer for the EPD because I know our police department is understaffed and in need of any assistance that I can provide. It gives me the opportunity of assisting our community, and being a part of solutions to problems instead of just complaining of things. From a very personal point of view, it gives me a purpose in my retirement, keeps me active and involved in the community. It allows me to assist my neighbors by providing services that the regular police officers simply do not have the time to do. Finally, it gives my life joy and satisfaction.”
Cliff Flesch (volunteer since 2004)
I have found every one of these volunteers I contact are truly wonderful people. They are great to share a story with, telling and listening. They are a true asset to our department and have saved me countless hours of vehicle maintenance. Each has been helpful in resolving equipment deficiencies and problems I have encountered. I have never seen one of those guys with anything but a smile on their face and a kind word to share. I have enjoyed their company and am glad they are here.
Police Sergeant Dale Dawson
If you would like more information, contact the Volunteers in Policing Program Manager, Lindy Smith by email or by phone at 541-682-5355