Volunteers in Policing

Thank you for your interest in joining the Punta Gorda Police Department team. The Punta Gorda Police Department is now accepting applications from concerned citizens willing to volunteer their time and expertise to support our commulnity. Since the Volunteers In Policing program's inception in 1997, the police department has benefited from the vast knowledge, experience, and willingness to serve from citizens like yourself. We are extremely proud of the Punta Gorda Police Department VIP program as it has received statewide recognition.

Volunteers are utilized in the areas of:

• Records - for data entry
• Public Relations - greeting the public, answering telephones, and directing visitors.
• Accreditation and Training - for work on department standards, assisting with training data entry and other limited-time projects
• Volunteer Program Deputy Coordinators - are selected from within and work hand-in-hand with the Volunteer Services Coordinator.
• Marine Unit Volunteers
• Traffic Control and Parking Volunteers

and MANY MORE!!! There is a special need for all those who take the time to volunteer.

Why Volunteer?   There are many reasons to volunteer and just as many personal benefits to be gained by volunteer service. Some of the highlights are an excellent opportunity to learn about law enforcement and to see its implementation in our community first hand, and opportunity to give back to and improve your community, to develop job skills and experience, and to actively help your police department fight crime. This program is open to those who wish to become involved in the community. Furthermore, the program is an excellent way to tap the unlimited resources of our retired citizens in the community. Anyone who feels that they have something to offer this program is encouraged to apply.

Ok... I'm interested. Now what do I do?

All Applicants will be required to complete an application, interview process and a background investigation before being considered for service. If approved for service, the volunteer will be photographed, fingerprinted, and given an identification card. We hope you will be interested in this worthwhile program. Together we can make a difference.

Contact - Rich Copeland
(941) 575-5535

Public Safety Building
1410 Tamiami Trail
Punta Gorda, FL. 33950
Tel. (941) 639-4111
Fax. (941) 575-5502
police@ci.punta-gorda.fl.us