Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
The Redmond Police Department recruits volunteers willing to be involved and make a difference in our community. Volunteers fill critical gaps in program support and contribute to positive communication between the Redmond community and the Redmond Police Department. Applicants are assigned based on their abilities and which positions require the greatest need as defined by the department.
Letter to Applicant
Minimum Requirements
Brochure
Volunteer Application
Volunteer assignments include:
The Redmond Police Volunteer Program was designated as a VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) Program in 2003. Because police handle sensitive information and are held to the highest standards of trust and accountability by the public, we take great care before accepting candidates to work or volunteer. Our application and screening process takes several weeks and includes a series of interviews, reference checks, extensive background investigation, and polygraph test. Please review our minimum requirements before submitting your application.
Contact: Nicole Rogers, 425-556-2632
Redmond Police Department Explorers Program
Redmond Police Explorers is a group of youth volunteers, ages 14-21, who are interested in the field of Law Enforcement. There is no residency requirement; current members hail from Redmond, Sammamish, Woodinville, Bothell, and Carnation. Explorers may aspire to become police officers while others are merely interested in learning about the profession while gathering community service hours. They also donate hours by working at city events such as Derby Days and Redmond Lights, assisting the Police Department with large crime scenes by conducting evidence searches and controlling scene perimeters, and going on ride-alongs with patrol officers.
The application process for the Post requires candidates to complete a written application and pass an oral board. A thorough background check is conducted in which references and criminal history are evaluated. Explorers are required to have a minimum 2.0 grade point average, clean criminal history, and be willing to commit to one year of volunteering.
Letter to Applicant
Explorer Application
Each Explorer commits to at least four hours of community service a month, fulfilled by attending meetings on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Meetings are held from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Redmond Police Station. Interested youths are welcome to observe a meeting and must contact Officer Julie Beard prior to doing so.
Contact: Officer Julie Beard, 425-556-2659
Community Policing Advisory Board
The Redmond Police Community Policing Advisory Board is a volunteer group of community members who assist with creating and improving problem solving strategies for the diverse problems and issues brought to the attention of the Redmond Police Department.
The Community Policing Advisory Board has covered several topics in its history, including: Homeland Security, terrorism, aggressive driving, car prowl, auto theft, volunteers, narcotics enforcement, Redmond youth issues, school resource officers, traffic calming, special event planning, emergency response, and major case overview. Other areas of interest to the Advisory Board include: senior citizen outreach, organized crime, neighborhood watch program enhancement, and legal updates presented by the City of Redmond Prosecutor's Office.
Members must reside or work in Redmond and are selected through an application process that consists of an application form, criminal history check, and interview. Advisory Board members help the Redmond Police fulfill the Redmond Police Department's Mission Statement "To Provide Quality Policing In Partnership With The Community:"
Contact: Lt. Charlie Gorman, 425-556-2659
Community Policing Advisory Board Application
Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES)
The Redmond Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) team provides emergency communications services for the City of Redmond. If normal communications are disrupted, team members can relay messages for fire, police, and other public service agencies within the city. Redmond ARES can also provide information and communications assistance to other city, county, state, and national emergency service organizations.
Contact: Janeen Olson, 425-556-2251