Be An APD Citizen Volunteer – June 29, 2011
ARCATA – Established in 1995, the Arcata Police Department’s Citizen Volunteer Patrol Program (CVPP) is currently a team of 21 hard working and dedicated adult citizens. The CVPP members provide nearly 3,500 hours per year of volunteer community service to the residents and businesses of Arcata. The CVPP team is lead by newly appointed CVPP Sergeants Fred Jamison and Paul Wilson.
CVPP members are volunteer, non-sworn, police department members who work closely with APD police officers and other departmental staff. CVPP members make numerous contributions to the community including high visibility patrols through the neighborhoods and business districts of Arcata. These patrols and other duties are carried out in specially marked retired police cruisers including a restored 1957 Ford Fairlane patrol car.
The CVPP program is a fun and exciting way to provide community service while learning new and interesting job dimensions. It is also a great way to meet new people and create lasting friendships. The assignments vary and are tailored to an individual’s interests and abilities. In addition to neighborhood patrols, CVPP members perform the following important functions: vacation house checks, parade escorts, special event coverage, traffic control, emergency assistance during disasters, mobile command vehicle operations, graffiti abatement, clerical assistance, and much more. CVPP members receive initial training upon their appointment to the program as well as on-going training in areas such as CPR and First Aid.
The Arcata Police Department is always looking for new CVPP members. APD is looking for citizens from all walks of life with various and diverse levels of knowledge and experience. Citizens must be of good character with a desire to support public safety and contribute to creating a strong and healthy community. Chief Tom Chapman recently stated, “The importance of the CVPP program and the amount of dedicated volunteer service to the Arcata community is immeasurable. Each CVPP member is a selfless champion of community service and pride. The police department and community are fortunate to have this program and these citizens working for them.”
Anyone interested in applying as a CVPP member can call (707) 822-2428 to request an application and/or obtain additional information about the program.
