VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICES

A Descriptive Study of the use of Volunteer Private citizen Programs in Selected V.I.P.S Agencies in Kansas and Oklahoma



Literature Review

Today, the public has become more actively engaged with their local law enforcement agencies. With staffing shortages, department have met the extra resource that volunteers offer as a partial solution to some of their needs. But, the increase in citizens volunteering with law enforcement agencies has added to the issues raised in relative to those individuals who exercise authority and their ethical standards. How manage law enforcement volunteers fit into this discussion?

 

Why manage policeman agencies use volunteers?

From an administrator's issue of outlook, the use of volunteers offsets expenses without reducing the accomplishments of the agency. Volunteers manage not replace sworn officers or any paid positions; instead, they enhance the quality of service that the organization can supply to its community. Agencies use volunteers in numerous ways, from administrative tasks to assisting officers on the street.(Wilson, 2005) Administrative volunteers can assist with data application, filing, supply distribution and many other agency duties. Patrol volunteers can augment sworn officers in non-hazardous situations, such as parking enforcement, ordinance violations, traffic command and special events.(Ness, 2005) From their viewpoint, volunteers gain a high sense of purpose by assisting to hold their community safe and assisting to the agency's mission. They arrive to the law enforcement arena with distinct agendas and various backgrounds. Their reasons encompass looking toward a career in law enforcement, advancing their promotional potential in their civilian jobs by volunteering, socializing with like minded individuals, and giving back to their community. What they all have in widespread is a very high regard for law enforcement. Many other organizations require volunteers, but those citizens want to be engaged in law enforcement. They also possess a variety of skills that they have acquired all through their lives.(Wilson, 2005) Given adequate training, an amicable work natural environment, and a strong sense of belonging, volunteers can become exceedingly loyal and assist the agency achieves its goals and objectives. To this end, they should contemplate the organization's high professional standards.

Because volunteers can range in age from 18 - 90, they convey many distinct experiences, beliefs, and standards to the agency. Those with little life know-how may not have a mature sense of ethics, whereas left volunteers may have well-developed morals. This highlights the require for straightforward guidelines and a cipher of ethics adhered to by all personnel in the agency. Moreover, the department's heritage will exemplify the ethical standards for volunteers.

 Of course, law enforcement members have learned through advanced education and training what is necessary to be engaged in the profession. They contain themselves to a higher standard of ethics than manage most others in society. Volunteers have not had the same training, but their exposure to departmental personnel will leverage how they perform themselves. And, their training should convey them to the high caliber of ethics held by the agency. Each department has a similar cipher of ethics for its ...