Have you sent out your CV to potential employers and you’re currently waiting for feedback? Are you looking for something productive and meaningful to do before you start your next job? Do you have an interest in helping people in your local community?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, then it may be a good idea to consider joining a volunteer programme in the Australian police association or your local district. Keep reading to find out more!
Experience the Rewards Associated with Volunteering
Volunteer work is something that’s highly encouraged in Australian society. This is because volunteering is regarded as an essential and effective way to deliver the Australian Government’s priority to develop strong and resilient communities.
While just about every sector can benefit from volunteers, one of the more popular options remains the programme offered by the Australian Police Force. We’ve compiled a list of what you need to know if this is a volunteer route you’d like to explore.
1. Know What Volunteer Do in the Police
Before you join any volunteering programme, it’s essential to know what you’ll be doing and what will be expected of you. This will ensure that you don’t waste your own and other people’s time by joining a programme that isn’t the right fit for you.
For the most part, Volunteers in Policing (ViPs) are based with police officers, and they assist with community safety, crime prevention and customer service issues. Responsibilities are designed to complement the existing roles and responsibilities of paid police members.
Some of the more significant duties a volunteer can expect to be involved in include the following:
- Participating in community crime prevention initiatives
- Liaising with police to improve overall customer service
- Assisting with school-based crime prevention initiatives
- Conducting home security assessments and property identification
- Providing support to and assisting victims of crime
2. Check the Criteria Required for the ViP Program
All volunteer programs have specific criteria that each applicant should meet. This is to ensure that you are a good fit for the volunteer work you want to do. To be a successful member of the ViP programme, you will need to meet the criteria listed below.
- Be 18 years and over
- Be willing to participate in a mandatory training program
- Agree to the Queensland Police Service conducting a criminal history check
- Be prepared to participate in the ViP Program for at least 12 months
- Be committed to working the number of volunteer hours as negotiated with the Queensland Police Service.
3. Know What Training May Be Required
Many volunteer programmes may not require any additional training as the functions you’ll be performing may be simple things that you’re already skilled in. However, due to the nature of the work within the police, there is specialised training that each volunteer should go through.
Ultimately this will ensure that you have the necessary skills to properly and safely assist everyone you come in contact with. The most basic training that you can expect to be a part of a ViP is listed as:
- Learning a general overview of the Police Service
- Develop the skills to work in a policing environment
- Understanding and learning the duties and responsibilities of ViP members
- Learning community policing and crime prevention strategies
- Develop skills needed to offer assistance and support to victims of crime
Training will be provided before the ViP candidate will begin their duties in the community. The required training programme usually lasts 12 months but ongoing upskilling is provided, as required.
4. Know What the Application Process is
Fortunately, the application process to be a ViP is quick and easy. It’s as simple as reaching out to the District Crime Prevention Coordinator at your local Police station. They will provide you with the necessary application forms as well as specific steps that you need to follow.
Potential applicants can also complete the ViP Program application form online. You can find this on the official website of the Queensland Police. Keep in mind that each Police District can only accommodate a specific number of volunteers at any given time. This means that applications will only be processed when a position is available.
If you have applied for a position in the ViP program, it’s a good idea to enquire if there are positions available. Fortunately, there are similar volunteer programs in other sectors, and you can easily join one of these until a position opens up in the ViP program. Remember that there are many ways to help your local community!
Final Thoughts
Volunteering is an essential part of assisting your local community in a wide range of ways. Being a part of the ViP programme will ensure that you can help people when they’re at their lowest and need assistance and support the most. On a personal level, you’ll not only learn valuable skills that you can use in other areas of your life, but you’ll also improve potential employment prospects. It’s a valuable way to spend your time!
