The Houston Police Volunteer Initiatives Program (VIP) is for individuals who wish to volunteer their time as members of the Houston Police Department. The greatest asset of any community is its people. A barometer of that value is the willingness of the people to volunteer.
HPD recognizes the importance of volunteers and the valuable contributions they can provide the department. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life in the city of Houston by working as a team. As a Police VIP volunteer, you become a member of our team.
Volunteer Requirements:
- Background Check
- Photo ID
- Minimum of Hours Commitment
- HPD Orientation
Disqualifications:
You are disqualified from becoming a Police VIP if any of the following apply. The following are also grounds for dismissal from the program once you are approved.
Criminal Offenses:
Three (3) or more traffic violations during the last eighteen (18) months.
Felony or Class A Misdemeanor conviction (includes Felony or Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication convictions).
Class B Misdemeanor in the past ten (10) years (includes Deferred Adjudication convictions).Family Violence offense conviction.
Indictment for any criminal offense (approval or reinstatement is based on disposition of court case).
Not living in the United States legally.
Under 17 years of age (except YPAC students).
Had / have a pattern of abusing prescription drugs.
Dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
Current City Employee (unless participating in Citizen Patrol).
Physical / mental disability that would substantially impair an individual’s ability to perform their duties.
Unlawful sexual conduct prior to and/or during volunteer term.
Inappropriate behavior relating to sexual harassment or racial slurs.
Committed an act or behavior tending to bring reproach and/or discredit to themselves and/or the Houston Police Department.
Used, tried, or sold any dangerous drugs or narcotics including cocaine, crack heroin, LSD.
Houston Police Department Volunteer Programs:
- Greater Houston Police Activities League (GHPAL)
- Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC)
- Citizens Offering Police Support (COPS)
- Citizen Patrol (CP)
- Communicators on Patrol
- Citizen's Police Academy (CPA)
- Houston Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association (HCPAAA)
- Police and Clery Alliance (PACA)
