Can I Be a Virginia State Police Volunteer?
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer with the Virginia State Police? You are eligible if:
- You are 18 years or older;
- You have some free time to contribute;
- You have a clear background; and
- You genuinely desire to be of service to your community.
- Applicants must live in a state east of the Mississippi River
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers do not replace either law enforcement or civilian personnel. Volunteers work along with State Police staff to assist them in some duties and relieve them of others so that they can devote their time to more pressing requirements.
As a volunteer, you will support staff in the performance of their assigned duties. With your help, the Department gains the benefit of additional hands and minds in the service of the citizens of Virginia.
Are there different kinds of jobs for volunteers?
Almost any type of activity, except actual police work, is open to you as a volunteer. Such activities include the following, and more:
Computer use, maintenance
Data entry
Filing, typing, cataloging, copying
Radio repair and installation
Telephone answering
Translators
Vehicle servicing
Warehousing
When and Where can I work?
Most volunteers work during normal business hours, but there are positions open in some offices at night and on weekends. The Department will try to find a spot for you when you are available. Once we know of your interest through your application, we will try to match your skill with our needs.
The Virginia Department of State Police has offices throughout the state. There are seven division offices and numerous area offices which utilize the services of volunteers. See Volunteer Opportunities, below.
Any special requirements?
In addition to interest, enthusiasm, and skills, volunteers must have a clear background. Before you come aboard for volunteer service, you must pass a background investigation. The extent of the investigation varies with the kind of work you will be doing. You will be informed of the background investigation before it is begun.
A message from Colonel W. Steven Flaherty:
“Virginia State Police volunteers gave a record 8,965 hours of service to the Department in 2010,” said Colonel Flaherty. “This talented corps of men and women from across the Commonwealth are a true inspiration to us all and provide the State Police and the people we serve an incredible service.”
How to obtain a volunteer application:
The Virginia State Police urges citizens who can volunteer to contact the Department’s Personnel Division at Administrative Headquarters in Chesterfield County. To receive an application, volunteers can:
Questions relating to employment, volunteer opportunities and other personnel matters also can be sent by e-mail to the Personnel Division at Employment@vsp.virginia.gov
- Call (804) 674-2182;
- Go to Administrative Headquarters at 7700 Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County;
- Contact the State Police Office nearest them;
- Write to: Volunteer Program Coordinator, Virginia State Police, Post Office Box 27472, Richmond, VA 23261-7472; OR
- Volunteer Application
The following is a partial list of the Virginia State Police Volunteer Opportunities:
Area:
Expungement Unit at State Police Headquarters
Location:
Richmond, Virginia
Position:
Assist Expungement coordinator by copying documents, preparing folders, filing and preparing envelopes for mailing.
Estimated time commitment: 4-8 hours per week This position requires a sensitive background investigation.
Area:
Sex Offender Registry at State Police Headquarters
Location:
Richmond, Virginia
Position:
Assist with community mailings to child minding facilities, scanning documents into the registry, copying court cases, and similar activities. Basic office skills with computer skills required.
Estimated time commitment: 4-8 hours per week This position requires a sensitive background investigation.
Area:
Insurance Fraud/ Auto Theft Section at Division 1 Headquarters
Location:
Glen Allen, Virginia
Position:
Assist with investigations, and general office duties. Insurance background preferred, basic office and computer skills required.
Estimated time commitment: 4-8 hours per week This position requires a sensitive background investigation.
Area:
Training Academy at State Police Headquarters
Location:
Richmond, Virginia
Position:
Assist nurse practitioner with filing and other administrative duties.
Estimated time commitment: 4-8 hours per week This position requires a sensitive background investigation.
Area:
Training Academy at State Police Headquarters
Location:
Richmond, Virginia
Position:
Assist academy staff with general administrative duties.
Estimated time commitment: 4-8 hours per week This position requires a sensitive background investigation.
Area:
Training Academy at State Police Headquarters
Location:
Richmond, Virginia
Position:
Librarian needed to catalog and index reference material and other literary works; and to maintain a current source of books, videos, periodicals and reference materials.
Estimated time commitment: 4-8 hours per week This position requires a sensitive background investigation.
