Now that the New Year has arrived many people are looking for an opportunity to volunteer within the community. With that in mind I believe this is the perfect time to suggest taking part in one of the many volunteer opportunities at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office. Volunteers gain valuable insight about the functions performed by the Sheriff's Office while giving back to the community. By performing a wide variety of routine duties volunteers allow deputies to focus on critical tasks related to law enforcement while saving tens of thousands of tax dollars. There are currently two ways you can volunteer your time. Members of the Sheriff's Volunteers in Partnership (V.I.P.) Program assist with administrative and support duties throughout the agency. Opportunities include positions at various facilities in such areas as Crime Prevention, Burglary & Pawn, Forensics, at the Criminal Court Complex, and at the Pinellas County Jail. For more information on the VIP program, call coordinator Gail Brnich at 582-6221. The Citizens Patrol Volunteer Program is the newest opportunity in which you can help others by donating your time at the Sheriff's Office. As a member of the Citizens Patrol you will have an opportunity to serve side by side with our deputy sheriff's while performing a variety of valuable services for our citizens and visitors. Some of these responsibilities may include recovering and transporting found property, directing traffic at special events or around disabled vehicles, conducting vacation house checks, and much more. If you are interested in applying as a Citizens Patrol Volunteer, please call the Sheriff's Human Resources Division at (727) 582-6208 and ask for an application. Because the Sheriff's Office operates 24-hours a day there are many different volunteering opportunities. To be eligible to volunteer you must be a United States citizen who is 18 years of age or older, and you must pass a criminal background check. Citizens Patrol Volunteers must also possess a valid driver license, and once the application process is complete they must successfully complete a training academy. Remember, by volunteering at the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office you can help us in "Leading The Way For A Safer Pinellas." |