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.

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  1. Minimum Requirements for Becoming a Volunteer
  2. Process for Becoming a Volunteer
  • 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.

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