Without volunteer police officers, events in Niles like the annual Apple Festival would have less assistance in managing crowds. For local law enforcement, police departments’ void of volunteers might feel the strain of trying to divide their attention to too many tasks.
At the Niles Law Enforcement Complex, there is a need for more people to become volunteers, said Volunteers in Police Services program manager Julie Sisk.
Sisk said there are about 12 volunteer vacancies that need to be filled. At this time, Sisk said there are only eight volunteers on the force.
Volunteers and community members both benefit from the program, Sisk said.
Across the U.S., the nationally implemented VIPs program aids local police officers by allowing volunteers to help with some essential duties, taking some of the strain off officers so that they can concentrate on patrolling.
Volunteers assist with residents’ request to have their homes checked out while on vacation, as well as at multiple events and disaster aid.
It is also a great opportunity to see the inner workings of local law enforcement in action and the positions are very flexible to a person’s interest and schedule.
Positions are available from
records to dispatch, Sisk said. If those benefits are not alluring, Sisk said some volunteers also get to use the force’s volunteer designated car.
Additionally, all volunteers receive useful training in river rescue, CPR and first aid. VIPs also meet once a month, where more training can take place as needed.
Sisk said that the position is also a great way to form a strong relationship between the community and the local law enforcement.
“[It] is building the relationship between the community and the police department,” Sisk said. “I think it is nice to have an everyday person [around] that somebody would feel comfortable coming up to.”
Sisk started as a volunteer police officer and then became a reserve officer. She said she volunteered in honor of her grandfather Paul Winquist, who served at the Niles Police Department for many years. In this sense, Sisk said volunteering can open doors.
“I thought it would be a great way to remember my grandpa,” Sisk said. “I learned that I loved it and became a reserve officer.”
The volunteer work could also be a major benefit to those considering a career in the field.
“It is great for young people interested in law enforcement,” Sisk said. “[It looks great on] resumes.”
Those applying for the positions must be 18 or older. An application is available on the City of Niles website by searching employment, volunteering and policing, where an application is available. After completing the application, those interested need to submit the application to the city, which will then go to Sisk for evaluation.