Volunteers in Policing (VIPs)

The Volunteers In Policing (VIPs) are a group of several volunteers, who donate over 3,200 hours of service to La Palma each year. They pool their talents, knowledge and abilities, donating their time to assist the Department in providing a higher level of service to our citizens.

Goals and Training
Each volunteer is provided with a complete uniform and training to prepare them for the wide variety of duties they perform. The primary goals of the VIP program are to:

  • Enhance the Department's cooperative partnership with the community by bringing citizens directly into the organization
  • Provide La Palma with an increased level of service
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VIPs patrol in the field and work in the Police Station providing clerical assistance. If you are interested in becoming a member of the VIP program, please apply online or call (714) 690-3381.

Vacation Checks
VIPs conduct vacation checks of homes when residents are on vacation or are away for an extended period of time. This helps to reduce residential burglaries and vehicle thefts and aids in reporting of concerns that may need attention.

To participate, a vacationing citizen completes an information card prior to leaving, with detailed security information about their home, as well as contact information for a responsible person should home access or homeowner contact be necessary. To schedule a vacation check of your home please contact the Police Department at (714) 690-3370.

Patrol
VIPs patrol parking areas and structures in our business areas and schools to add to the visibility of law enforcement. VIPs do not take law enforcement action, but instead radio in observations which appear suspicious or are criminal in nature. This activity reduces vehicle thefts and burglaries in parking areas where vehicles are left unattended for extended periods of time.

Ready to Volunteer?

We ask our VIP members to volunteer an average minimum of 4 hours per month and attend the monthly evening meetings (last Tuesday of the month, 6:30 p.m. La Palma Council Chamber) for training and other program details.  If you are interested in becoming a member of the La Palma VIP program, you can apply online. If you have further questions about the program please email police@cityoflapalma.org or call (714) 690-3381.