So crime is down in our neighborhood, but that doesn’t mean there’s not still room for improvement.
Neighborhoods that have started Volunteers in Patrol, or VIP, programs generally experience lower crime rates than those that haven’t. And the best part is, starting such a program requires very little out-of-pocket expense: the only costs incurred include signs and lights for volunteers’ vehicles. After that, the only donation volunteers make is one of time.
The following information comes from the Dallas Police Department’s online brochure on starting a VIP unit in your neighborhood.
What is it?
Volunteers in Patrol is a non-confrontational neighborhood patrol program involving private citizens who have passed a screening process and completed a 10-hour training course given by the Dallas Police Department. Volunteers patrol their neighborhood while driving their own vehicles or vehicles provided by their community organization. They are taught by the police department how to observe and report suspicious and/or criminal activity in their neighborhood.
How do I join VIP?
In order to apply, you must
• be a City of Dallas resident
• be at least 21 years of age
• have no criminal record (no felony convictions and/or class A or B misdemeanors within the last 2 years)
• be a member of a neighborhood crime watch or association
A background check will be conducted by the police department’s personnel division on all applicants meeting the above criteria.
Volunteers In Patrol provides:
• Citizens with an active means to make a difference in their communities.
• Increased cooperation between citizens and police officers.
• Assistance to the police department through additional observation and reporting.
• Increased code enforcement.
• Increased public presence in the neighborhood as a means of deterring crime.
• Increased awareness among citizens within a neighborhood.
• Increased quality of life and safer environment for all neighborhood residents.
To start a VIP program in your neighborhood, contact the Dallas Police Department’s Crime Prevention Administration unit at 214-670-4427 and request an application.
