“We are not the arm of the police; we are the heart of the community.”

Who are we?

The Cypress Volunteers In Policing (V.I.P.) is a team of trained citizen volunteers who assist police with non-enforcement duties that allow Officers to focus on crime reduction. Volunteers can be an important part of any organization and are proven to be a valuable asset to law enforcement agencies. Volunteers help to increase police responsiveness, service delivery levels, and information input, and they provide new program opportunities. In addition, Volunteers can bring new skills and expertise to the job and prompt new enthusiasm.

The work and devotion of a Volunteer is an extremely valuable resource to the Cypress Police Department. Volunteers donate their time and energy to the community without expecting any compensation except for the satisfaction of knowing they are helping to make the City of Cypress a better place to live, work and play.

The Volunteers In Policing program was created to develop a strong partnership that bridges the gap between community needs and community volunteer resources. Volunteers do not take enforcement action, carry weapons, or make arrests. Volunteers are utilized as additional “eyes, ears, and hands” of the police department in a patrol capacity as well as in support assistance to police personnel.

Why become a Police Volunteer?

• Become an integral part of the Cypress Police Department team
• Assist in controlling, reducing, and preventing crime in Cypress
• Meet new people
• Gain valuable work experience and personal growth that comes with helping others
• Take pride in knowing you are part of the solution in crime reduction

What training will I receive?

Volunteers will attend a six (6) week training program to acquaint them with the department, personnel, policies and procedures that will have a direct impact on their work assignment. Volunteers will also receive training covering areas such as diversity, health and safety, patrol procedures, radio usage, driver awareness, crime prevention and data protection. Other training may be given depending on the volunteer role.

What will I be doing?

Some of the duties the Volunteers perform are vacation house checks, conducting station tours, school presentations, fleet maintenance, shooting range maintenance, traffic and parking control, fingerprinting, community events, crime scene containment, materials transportation and delivery, and data entry.

Will it cost me anything?

Although you will not be paid a salary, your volunteering role should not leave you with any money out-of-pocket. Uniforms will be provided after successfully passing the six (6) week training course.

How old do I have to be?

Volunteers should be over 18 years of age.

What are the requirements?

Persons interested in participating in the VIP program should be residents of Cypress or attend school or work in the city. Other persons not meeting these requirements will be considered on an individual basis. Volunteer candidates are selected following an oral interview and background investigation.

Cypress Volunteers are expected to donate a minimum of four (4) hours per week. These can be arranged at any time to suit your own personal and work commitments.

Volunteers will be required to pass an oral interview and successfully pass a background check. Additional requirements for the VIP program consist of possessing a valid driver’s license, being 18 years of age, in good physical health, and the desire to contribute a minimum of four (4) hours per-week to the program. Volunteers are a tremendous asset to the police department and bring a broad range of skills and experience.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in becoming a V.I.P. and meet the program qualifications, download the Volunteer Corps Application that you can fill out, print, sign and mail to or drop off at the Cypress Police Department; or you can call the Community Services Unit at (714) 229-6625 or (714)229-6626 and have an application mailed to you. Applications are accepted on a continual basis.