In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush announced the creation of the USA Freedom Corps , an effort to foster a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility, building on the generous spirit of the American people.  The Citizen Corps programs are part of the USA Freedom Corps initiative and share the common goal of helping communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to crime, natural disasters, and other emergencies.

One of the Citizen Corps programs is the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program. The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) manages and implements the VIPS Program in partnership with and on behalf of the White House Office of the USA Freedom Corps and the Bureau of Justice Assistance , U.S. Department of Justice .  The program's goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers.

Why Volunteer? 

Why Volunteer at a Law Enforcement Agency?  Simple - We Need You!  Since September 11, 2001, the demands on state and local law enforcement have increased dramatically.  As a result, the already limited resources of these agencies are being stretched further than ever, at a time when the country needs every available officer out on the beat.  In many jurisdictions around the country, volunteers in the community have offered their time and skills to law enforcement agencies.  These citizen volunteers help supplement and support officers and civilian personnel by allowing them to concentrate on their primary duties. Volunteer roles may include performing clerical tasks, serving as an extra set of "eyes and ears," assisting with search and rescue activities, and writing citations for accessible parking violations.

Accessible Parking Enforcement 

VIPS work in the historic downtown Paducah business district in early May to help with parking enforcement. Volunteers monitor parking regulations and issue citations to violators.

To Become a VIP 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer with VIPS please call us today!

Contact:

Travis Counts, VIPS Coordinator

(270) 444-8548

email:

tcounts@ci.paducah.ky.us