C.O.P.S. is a volunteer organization dedicated to helping the Phoenix Police Department and the Community.
The Phoenix Police Department has a long outstanding history of volunteerism.  The department implemented its volunteer program in 1983.  The C.O.P.S. Volunteer program (VIPS) is a unique and invaluable program and resource to the department.  Today, we have over 160 volunteers working in all areas within our department.  We also have many University student interns who start their career path within the program.  Each year volunteers have contributed anywhere from 25,000 to 30,000 hours of volunteer service to our Police Department.

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.
Citizen Corps includes five program partners:  Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Medical Reserve Corps, Fire Corps, and the Volunteers in Police Services (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 goal of the program is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers.

Group photo of our current volunteers with Public Safety Manager, Jack Harris	Volunteers at Annual Awards Banquet

Who can join C.O.P.S.?

C.O.P.S. is open to anyone with a willingness to get involved and the desire to make a difference in their community.  As a C.O.P.S. volunteer, you will become involved with behind the scene efforts of law enforcement.  You will enjoy the camaraderie, the sense of belonging and the feeling of pride that comes with being a part of something worthwhile.

1. Age- Must be at least 18 years of age.

How do I become a Volunteer?

Step One:

Download an application from this website, complete the application and submit it to the address shown on the application. (An application can also be mailed to you)
You can download an application form, fill it in, and submit it to the address shown on the form.  Click here to download the application form

These Areas will be investigated prior to employment with the C.O.P.S

• Criminal History
  
• Drug History
  
• Driving History
  
• Work History/ Experience

Step Two:
To ensure volunteers meet the high standards of the C.O.P.S. Volunteer Program and the Phoenix Police Department, we ask all candidates to:
      -Complete a comprehensive questionnaire and application kit
      -Attend a screening interview with a Police background investigator
      -Pass a background check
      -Pass a polygraph test
      -Pass a controlled substance screening

There are additional requirements for a University volunteer Intern.  Please contact the C.O.P.S. Volunteer coordinator for additional information.
C.O.P.S. Application Download
You can download an application form, fill it in, and submit it to the address shown on the form.  Click here to download the application form

COPS Volunteer Steering Committee

COPS Volunteer Testomonials

The Citizens Offering Police Support volunteer program is a wonderful stepping stone in seeking what it is exactly you wish to do within the police department in a more permanent fashion. Having the flexibility to work with different bureaus of interest has been very rewarding. Not only has the volunteer program proven to be the map of my future career, the people that I have met along the way have truly become family.

Antonia Bennett, V1019
C.O.P.S. Volunteer

I just wanted to drop you a note of appreciation for getting us some GREAT volunteers in the Missing Persons Unit. Within the last year, we have gone thorugh some changes; these changes have caused our detectives to focus on some labor intensive cold cases. This means that some of our administrative and clerical functions have suffered - that is, until our volunteers came to the rescue! We have 3-4 volunteers that assist us on a regular basis by calling on old reports, assisting families with information about runaways and doing sorting and filing which our detecitves would normally have to do. Because of this assistance from the volunteers, our detectives have been able to prioritize their case load and focus their time and energy on resolving cases; which is exactly what they should be doing! Thank you very much!

Sergeant Bryan Chapman
Missing Persons Units
Phoenix Police Department

When I originally began my Volunteer work with C.O.P.S., my plan was to serve in some way to permit one of the "Brothers and Sisters in Blue" to return to the duties that fulfilled the "Protect and Serve" concept. As I began my service performing some of the Volunteer Database maintenance and input, I discovered the vast opportunities to serve elsewhere in the Department. As a result, I have performed as a data input specialist for the Volunteer Database. I have also been associated with the Explorer Post 2906 in the building of their basic database. Volunteering here has also permitted me to see the extended personal development of some of our young people. Lately, I have been selected to serve in the Homicide Section, Violent Crimes Bureau. There I have been reviewing Cold Case files in an attempt to finalize each open case to closure. It is aslo here that I will make the transition from performing in the maintenance and input of the Volunteer Database to focus in the Cold Case Research Activities.

In each position, I have broadened my Police Department knowledge and expanded my own skill base. As I write this missal, I can attest to the great feeling of achievement each and every time I enter 620 West Washington.

I will never be a uniformed Policeman but as a C.O.P.S. Volunteer, I certainly appreciate the extensive skills, undivided dedication and spectacular accomplishments of each and every person serving in the Phoenix Police Department.

Jerry Hatcher, V0788
C.O.P.S. Volunteer

Public Safety Manager Jack Harris gives a brief message about our volunteers.

Questions or Concerns ?

      Phone:            (602) 262-7331
      E-MAIL:           larry.horton@phoenix.gov
      Mail:                620 W. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003
      Fax:                (602) 534-6851

 Here is the most current list of volunteer opportunities with the COPS Program: