Volunteer Program

The Irving Police Department's Volunteer Program was established in 1992 as a link between residents and the police department. Volunteers learn more about the community's needs and resources while providing valuable assistance to the city’s professional staff. Participation in the Volunteer Program enables residents to be involved with the police department and update their career skills with on-the-job training.

Opportunities through Volunteering

Volunteers are used in many of the divisions of the Police Department, carrying out assignments with the highest degree of zeal and dedication. An average of 35 volunteers donate approximately 650 hours a month in service time.

A wide range of opportunities are available and the department provides on-the-job training to assist our volunteers. The hours and days each volunteer works are structured for their convenience. Daytime and evening hours are available. The program is administered through the Community Services Division, which maintains a current list of volunteer positions with the Irving Police Department.

Volunteer Qualifications

Volunteer opportunities are available for retirees, students, professionals and homemakers and anyone else who is 21 years of age or older. Volunteers complete an application, undergo an application screening process, complete the Citizen's Police Academy and sign a standard confidentiality agreement. The Citizen's Police Academy is the best way to teach volunteers about the different areas of the department and how to best serve Irving's residents. The class meets once a week for three hours over an 11-week period, with one eight-hour class on Saturday. Irving Police holds two courses a year, one in the spring and one in the fall.

Responsibility of Volunteers

While work is scheduled to accommodate volunteers, those wishing to participate in the program will be asked to contribute a minimum of eight hours per month. If a volunteer has a scheduling conflict or is unable to meet any commitments, a supervisor or one of the program coordinators should be contacted as soon as possible.

Volunteers are asked to consider their volunteerism a serious commitment and be supportive of city government. Volunteers should maintain confidentiality in all issues pertinent to residents and records with which they deal during the course of their duties.

Staff Responsibilities to Volunteers

The staff is eager to ensure volunteering at the police department is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Volunteers will be placed in jobs suitable to their interests and skills. Following placement, volunteers will receive appropriate training and supervision. Supervisors maintain accurate records of time donated by each volunteer and their duties. Coordinators and supervisors will work to accommodate requests to change volunteer’s assignments on request.

If you request or want more information please email Officer Mike Cassata or call (972) 721-7778.