Volunteers in Police Service:
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Marana's VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICE Program The town of Marana began the VIPS program in 2004. This program was not new in Arizona but was new to the growing town of Marana The purpose of the program is to have a group of citizens willing to act as ambassadors for the police department. VIPS do not have arrest powers. They do not take the place of a sworn police officer. VIPS do the same thing that any concerned citizen should do notify the Police Department of unusual or illegal activity in their community.
VIPS are not substitutes for sworn police officers but are trained to be eyes and ears for the police department and the community. They assist the police department with activities that are not of a criminal nature. The VIPS help with parking and crowd control at events like the child safety programs, seasonal community events, school events and special community projects such as bike races. When traffic incidents or bad weather knock out traffic lights or close roadways, specially trained VIPS assist with traffic control.
VIPS donate thousands of hours assisting police departments saving the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars.
The first Marana VIPS were recruited from the retirement communities of Heritage Highlands and Sunflower. Many residents of these communities were retired and wanted to be involved in a program that benefited the town and their local neighborhood. Specially marked vehicles were designated for the program and kept at each community center. It may have appeared that we staffed two separate programs, however as time passed, volunteers came from outside these communities and the VIPS program became what it was always intended to be; one group of people who wanted to help their neighborhood and also the town they live in.
In closing, Marana VIPS seek new volunteers and if you are a motivated individual interested in being a part of this worthwhile program contact: Sandy Groseclose, Special Events /Volunteer Coordinator 11555 W. Civic Center Dr., Marana, AZ 85653 Phone: 382-1937 or Fax: 382-0190
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