Volunteer Opportunities

The implementation of the Modesto Police Department "Volunteers in Police Service" has proven to be a valuable tool, greatly appreciated by the City of Modesto and its residents. The Modesto Police Department draws on the time, talents and experience of volunteers to allow officers to better perform their frontline duties. We attempt to match volunteers to jobs according to their strengths and abilities.

Volunteers need no prior experience. Each division handles its own specialized volunteer training. Performance of duties can lead to increasingly responsible positions. Volunteers usually work in a single division but can assist other divisions as needed. Schedules are flexible. Work continues in all divisions throughout the year. Generally, there are no physical requirements for volunteer work; volunteers with physical limitations are welcome.

Duties 

Some of the duties currently being performed by volunteers include:

  • Answering telephones
  • Assist in searching for missing persons
  • Assist Neighborhood Watch coordinators
  • Assisting at special events
  • Assisting citizens with questions
  • Data entry
  • Delivering newsletters
  • Distributing important flyers
  • Issuing courtesy notices
  • Making deliveries and distributing mail throughout areas
  • Patrolling neighborhoods and shopping centers-checking for property in plain view, screens off windows, open doors
  • Patrolling the area of schools
  • Performing clerical assignments
  • Senior citizen checks
  • Staffing information booths
  • Vacation house checks

Requirements & Abilities

  • Ability to donate a minimum of 16 hours per month
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
  • Ability to work cooperatively as part of a team
  • Citizen of the United States or have legal residency
  • Dependable and flexible
  • Desire to serve others
  • Enthusiastic
  • Good communication skills
  • Mature
  • Over 18 years of age
  • Responsible
  • Sense of humor
  • Willingness to comply with uniform dress code
  • Willingness to share in community
  • Willingness to submit to an extensive background check

Application

If you have the above qualities and you want to make a difference in your community, download an application (PDF) or contact the Volunteer Coordinator. For further information on law enforcement volunteers, check out the Law Enforcement Volunteers of California website.