Volunteer Services

Program Information

Volunteer Services at the Winters Police Department include the Winters Police Cadet Program, the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program, And the Trauma and Grief Support (TAGS) Program.

Winters Police Cadet Program

The goals of the Police Cadet program are to expose men and women to the various aspects of police work in order to prepare them for a career in law enforcement. The Police Cadet program also helps to provide quality candidates for all law enforcement. The program is administered by Cadet Program Director Officer Letterman and Coordinator CSO Andrea Gonzalez.

Funding

The Winters Police Department Cadet Program is a volunteer program funded via a mix of community fundraising and budgeted expenses by the Police Department.

Donations to the Winters Police Cadet Program can be accepted at the Winters Public Safety Facility front lobby at 702 Main Street Winters, CA 95694. If using a check, please note Winters PD Cadets in the memo line. Please utilize the City of Winters Tax ID number of 94-6000457 to record your donation for your personal tax records.

Applications

Applications can be submitted online via email to tips.winters@winterspolice.org, brought to the Police Department front counter, or mailed to: Winters Police Department ATTN: Cadet Program 702 Main Street Winters, California 95694. Once an application is received, participants will be contacted for an interview date.

 

Participants must be between 15 to 21 years of age (participants between the ages of 15 and 17 must have parental permission) and enrolled in school with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA through 12th grade. School transcripts must be enclosed with the application. Proof of grades will be required to be presented to the Cadet Coordinator quarterly.

Cadets are required to:

  • Complete an application packet (if you are under the age of eighteen (18), your parent/guardian must sign the application and any other required forms as a condition of your participation).
  • Complete a two month probationary period.
  • Complete orientation (within a month of acceptance into the program).
  • Attend a minimum of four consecutive meetings.
  • Completing a minimum of 8 service hours a month.
  • Successfully pass a background investigation, including, but not limited to: Criminal history check, DMV history check, and contact with listed references.
  • Successfully pass an oral interview.

All of the above requirements are taken into consideration when considering an applicant. None of the above are intended to be an automatic disqualification, with the exception of intentional withholding of information or falsification of information on the cadet program application. If the applicant is accepted and falsification is discovered, the Cadet will be dismissed without recourse and may be disqualified from any future participation.

If special circumstances exist that should be considered during the application period, contact the Cadet Coordinator. If, at any time, Cadet is not able to meet the requirements of the program, they shall contact Cadet Coordinator regarding opportunities in the Volunteer Program or separation from the Cadet program. To learn more about the application process and requirements for the Winters Police Cadet Program please email the cadet coordinator at tips.winters@winterspolice.org

To apply for the Cadet Program please complete a Cadet Application form and background waiver.

 

Trauma & Grief Support (TAGS) Program

The Winters Police Department, along with the Winters Fire Department, has established a new program called TAGS (Trauma & Grief Support Program). This program will be utilized by the Officers as well as Fire personnel to assist us with death notifications, stand by while we contact the coroner, and offer assistance any time first responders need an extra hand with a high-priority call or incident.

The Winters Public Safety Trauma and Grief Support (TAGS) volunteers work in conjunction with the Departments to assist on-scene community members who are experiencing grief and/or trauma. Additionally, because the constant stresses associated with critical incidents and first responder duties can negatively impact public safety personnel, TAGS volunteers will also be accessible to Winters Police and Fire Department personnel.

This program will be utilized by the Officers as well as Fire personnel to assist with death notifications,  stand by with family members while the coroner is contacted, and offer assistance any time first responders need an extra hand with a high-priority call or incident.

For more information or an application please email tips.winters@winterspolice.org

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program

The Volunteers in Police Service program (VIPS) is a nationally recognized volunteer program created by the International Chiefs of Police and is currently in over 2,700 Police and Sheriff agencies across the Nation. Volunteers may be called to assist with a variety of tasks to serve the community including but not limited to:

  • School, Park, and Bike trail Patrols
  • Community Events and Festivals
  • Safety Presentations
  • Traffic control and scene management during emergencies
  • Senior wellness checks
  • Vacation checks
  • Clerical/ Office Support

For more information regarding the Winters Police Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) please email tips.winters@winterspolice.org