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.
Minimum Requirements 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.
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. Contact the Volunteers in Policing Program Manager, Lindy Smith by email or by phone at 541-682-5355 for more information.
Process for Becoming a Volunteer
- Fill out an application for volunteer service.
- Interview with the VIP Program Manager at Eugene Police Headquarters.
- Complete a Personal History Questionnaire.
- Background Investigation; includes a criminal history check and extensive employment and social reference checks.
- If you pass the background investigation, you will be notified by the VIP Program Manager and scheduled for orientation.
- Orientation at Eugene Police Headquarters.
If you would like more information, contact the Volunteers in Policing Program Manager, Lindy Smith by email or by phone at 541-682-5355
2022 Volunteer Statistics
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 Quotes
"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)
Staff Quotes
"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
Contact Us
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Eugene Police Department
300 Country Club Road
Eugene, OR 97401
Ph: 541-682-5111
Fx: 541-682-6804
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Volunteers in Policing
Lindy Smith
Program Manager
Ph: 541-682-5355
Email