It is the policy of the Maryland State Police to enlist the voluntary services of U.S. citizens to improve the efficiency and productivity of the department through performance or persons both retired and working. This decision is based on the understanding that both groups have skills, experiences, training, available time and other characteristics which match its organizational needs.
The Maryland State Police has within its organization a volunteer program designated as the Volunteers in Police Support (VIPS). The goal and objective of the VIPS program is to relieve sworn personnel of certain non-enforcement duties, thereby allowing them more time to carry out their sworn duties.
The Volunteers in Police Support (VIPS) program was created in 1985 with three volunteers at the Crime Prevention Unit. This small core of conscientious and enthusiastic volunteers grew in both numbers and in responsibilities; and in 1987, the volunteer service was recognized by the Governor as a full fledged state-wide volunteer organization. Today it numbers over 100 volunteers in over 90% of the Maryland State Police barracks and installations.
Volunteers perform duties at various MSP locations which include but are not limited to:
- Adult Explorer advisors
- Processing traffic citations and keeping statistics
- Data entry including
a. Pawn records
b. DWI./DUI records
c. Seat Belt enforcement statistics
d. Speed enforcement statistics
e. Data from traffic stop documentation (Form 216)
f. Other data entry as needs arise
- Crime prevention
- Photography (Forensic Sciences Division)
- Filing and various clerical tasks
- Assisting the Police Academy by participating in scenarios with the Trooper candidates.
- Conducting tours of the Barracks and other installations
The following MSP locations where volunteers were working: All Barracks, VIPS office staff, Special Operations Division, Human Resources Division, Central Records Division, and the Police Academy. At the Police Academy while assisting in the training of the academy classes, several volunteers were arrested, searched for CDS and chased by Trooper Candidates.
Volunteer Application Process
Volunteers in Police Support pre-requisites are:
- must be at least 18 years old
- must be of excellent moral character
- no serious Motor Vehicle Administration record
- no criminal convictions of any kind
- Must be physically and mentally capable of performing assigned duties
- Must agree to submit to a records background check
Volunteer applicants may be rejected for failure to meet any of the above requirements. An application may also be rejected if in the opinion of the Barrack/Unit/Division Commander, VIPS Coordinator, Assistant Commander, Human Resources Division, the applicant demonstrates inappropriate behavior of other characteristics inconsistent with the aims and purposes of the program.
Each volunteer will receive on-the-job training as directed by the commander. Training will be specific to tasks to be performed.
Benefits
Ride-A-Long: Volunteers may ride along with troopers with permission of the Barrack/Unit/Division Commander and must complete a waiver form. Ride along should relate to the volunteers assigned duties only.
Insurance Protection for Volunteers: Volunteers are covered on a limited basis through the Injured Workers Insurance Fund (IWIF) for injuries sustained during the course of volunteer activities. This coverage is for medical services and treatment only. The volunteer is not entitled to permanent or partial disability through IWIF and is not covered for lost time.
TO APPLY:
Please complete the Request Form - MSP Student Intern & Volunteers in Police Support Programs.
All requests for participation in the Maryland State Police Internship or Volunteers in Policing Support (VIPs) programs will be made through our web-based form below. A printed copy of the application is available upon request.
