About VIPS

In the 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush called on all Americans to serve a cause greater than themselves.

VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) is that opportunity.  VIPS was created to assist in the services that the Sandy City Police Department provides to the community.  VIPS are highly trained individuals who act as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Police Department.  They report any suspicious activity that they see to patrol personnel on shift.  They also help with other community oriented policing functions.

Volunteers are required to be on shift 8 or more hours every month to maintain their volunteer status.

Volunteers always patrol with another trained volunteer.

Watch a VIPS video

How to get involved in VIPS

To become a member of the Sandy City Police VIPS Team, you must go through an application and interview process.

First, an application must be submitted.  Second, a criminal background and drivers’ history check will be performed. You will also be required to pass a drug test and have your fingerprints taken.

Upon successful completion of the application and background check process, a series of interviews will be conducted.  The first series of interviews will be with the VIPS Coordinator, VIPS Members, and the Crime Prevention Specialist over the VIPS program.  The final interview will be with the Chief of Police.

Training Involved

You can expect about 60 hours of training and a 3 month probation period before your Volunteer position begins. 

Some of the training includes (but is not limited to):

• Police Citizen Academy
• Defensive Driving
• Patrol Officer Ride-a-long
• VIPS Coordinator Ride-a-long
• Observation and Reporting
• Communications
• Policies and Procedures
• Neighborhood Speed Watch
• Traffic Trailer Placement
• Vehicle License Reader and others