Volunteer (VOLT Program)
PROGRAM PURPOSE AND DESCRIPTION
The Volunteer Program (VOLT-Volunteer Opportunities and Leadership Training) was developed as a complement to the San Jose Police Department’s Community Policing Strategy. By utilizing volunteers and college interns to enhance existing police services, the program has become firmly integrated into the Department.
Volunteers are afforded the opportunity to work interesting assignments and they are encouraged to utilize their talents and to develop new skills. The department benefits by this exceptional talent from within the community and it serves to enhance the delivery of services and special programs. The opportunity to serve has benefited the volunteer, the Department and ultimately, the San Jose community.
Services that have been provided by the VOLT Program include callback and status updates of crime victims, enhancement of reports for various investigative units and patrol. Volunteers are also responsible for placement of traffic radar displays on city streets, input of data into specialized computer systems, and program administrative assistance in staffing of the Truancy Abatement Centers. Some volunteers do specialized research, technical writing, graphic artistry, Internet website support, film developing, tours of police facilities, academy or police training role-playing, child fingerprinting and staffing of Community Policing Centers.
Volunteers:
We are looking for energetic US citizens or legal resident aliens as volunteers who are 18 or older, with a high school education or higher. You should be willing to contribute a minimum of 12 hours a month.
The Process:
Once the completed application has been received by the VOLT Office, you will be scheduled for an oral interview. The interview is pass/fail, and those candidates who pass the interview are required to submit to a California Department of Justice and FBI fingerprint check, in addition to a thorough background investigation. The process takes between 12 to 14 weeks to complete, after which you will be scheduled for a meeting with the Program Manager. You will be placed in the assignment of your choice, provided there is a vacancy.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 18 years or older
- US Citizen (or permanent legal resident alien)
- Passes an extensive background investigation
- Performs specified duties
- Able to work in a police facility, or a police unit
- Works according to a set schedule ( a minimum of 12 hours per month)
Departure:
Though each volunteer and intern signs a contract on joining our organization they may resign at any time. Conversely, the Department is under no obligation to accept all applicants and may separate a volunteer or intern from the program at any time for violating Department policy, terms of the Volunteer Contract or the violating Department policy, terms of the Volunteer Contract or the mission of the organization as set out in the Volunteer Guide.
Assignments:
- Traffic Radar Display Detail (VOLT TEU)
- Video Unit Aide
- Community Policing Center Aide
- Child Care Services for Witnesses/Victim
- Tour Guide (Police Facility)
- VOLT Training Coordinator
- Police Historical Museum Aide
- Police Photo Lab Aide
Click here: VOLT Volunteer Application
College Interns:
VOLT has graduated dozens of interns since its inception in 1996. Full time college students who are going to make a career of law enforcement or other fields of study. If an internship is part of your college program, you should start the application process before you begin your senior year. Our interns really enjoy their association with the San Jose Police Department and find the professional training and on-the-job training experience to be of extraordinary value to them.
The Process:
Once the completed application has been received by the VOLT Office, you will be scheduled for an oral interview. The interview is pass/fail, and those candidates who pass the interview are required to submit to a California Department of Justice and FBI fingerprint check, in addition to a thorough background investigation. The process takes between 12 to 14 weeks to complete, after which you will be scheduled for a meeting with the Program Manager. You will be placed in the assignment of your choice, provided there is a vacancy.
Minimum Qualifications:
- 18 years or older
- US Citizen (or permanent legal resident alien)
- Passes an extensive background investigation
- Performs specified duties
- Able to work in a police facility, or a police unit
- Works according to a set schedule ( a minimum of 12 hours per month)
- College student enrolled in an internship program.
Assignments:
- TABS East side ( 8am-4pm Mon-Fri)
- TABS West side (8am-4pm Mon-Fri)
- Crime Prevention Assistant
- Other
Click here: College Internship Application