Nevada Police launch volunteer program

Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Chief Graham Burnley speaks about the VIPS program along with the program directors, Frank and Pat Arnold.

Are you looking for something challenging that will put your skills to good use for the betterment of the community?

Then the Nevada Police Department and Chief Graham Burnley may have just the opportunity for you.

The Volunteers in Police Service program is looking for a few good men and women who have an interest in doing just that.

The VIPS program has proven to be a major plus for city police departments who must constantly compete for funding in a climate where budgets are perpetually stretched.

Burnley was involved with the program and its benefits from his time with the Chesterfield Police Department.

"After 9-11, we had moved away from the traditional reserve force that departments had been using due to the restrictions that were becoming more prevalent. So we started this program to help us in variety of areas.

"We had six people and it worked well. They did a lot of different things for us, including being part of the bailiff system.

"When we found the right leadership for it in a retired Army Colonel, the program really took off. We started gaining appreciation for law enforcement in the community.

"That's the beauty of the program. You put people in places to utilize their special talents."

The chief cited an example.

"One of the volunteers was an accountant. He wasn't a great public speaker and didn't really enjoy being at public events but he did statistical analysis for us and just did a brilliant job."

The new Nevada program has its first members in long-time community volunteers Frank and Pat Arnold, who will serve as program directors.

When the Arnolds, who had steered the Bushwhacker Days celebration each year, became available, "I knew we had the people we needed," to get started, said Burnley.

"I think we will have an extremely successful organization with Frank and Pat. They bring leadership and a wealth of connections in the community.

"Since they were in transition from working with Bushwhacker Days, they were the perfect choice."

"Pat has always been interested in police work," said Frank of his wife. "Over the years, she has helped me with Bushwhacker Days. Now I can with her interest in this."

"When I was younger, I was interested in police work and would've gone back to school," said Pat.

"I've gone through the Citizens Police Academy (put on by the NPD) several times. This seemed like a perfect time to get more involved," she said.

The VIPS program will have its own special attire.

"It's not a police uniform," said Frank. "But we'll have a navy blue shirt with the VIP insignia that will distinguish us as being semi-official."

"They'll be members of the police department," said Burnley.

The Arnolds have already passed their background check and the program is taking shape, said the chief.

"We're excited to get started," said Pat.

"We've begun the recruiting process," said the chief.

Applications are available online at www.nevadamo.org and at the police department at 120 S. Ash. You can call 417-448-5100 for information.

Those interested will undergo that background check as part of the process.

According to the VIPS program brochure, anyone 21 or older with no serious arrests or convictions may apply. You do not need law enforcement experience. Residents of Nevada will be given first consideration.

Volunteers do not replace or assume the duties of sworn officers and they have no legal authority or enforcement powers.

An interest in the community and helping the department is what the program is looking for.

"We want to know what skills you have and how you can help us," said the chief.

That may range from public speaking, writing, and editing to computer skills. But the main asset someone can bring is his or her willingness to assist police officers in public safety and crime prevention events and programs.

"There's plenty to do," said Pat.

"Our main goal is to do anything we can to free up officers to do what they need to be doing."

"Whatever it is," said Frank, "from setting up roadblocks in case of an accident or helping with a disaster."

The chief said he would like to have 10 to 12 people in the program, all with the ability to "do different things. We want to have a pool available to call on.

"They'll do projects with us and be involved in things like Neighborhood Watch, in which I know Pat has an interest. Since we re-established that program, we've seen dramatic results in reducing crime.

"The VIPS will also help with National Night Out and with school events like the annual history day where we visit with the fourth-graders and help handle the crossings with the kids."

"There's always something going on," said Burnley.

"This program is a great opportunity to reach out to the community, which has really supported us.

"We want to improve the image of law enforcement and raise the efficiency of the department. It's a win-win."

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