Supporting public safety efforts with RSVP volunteers

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Abstract

RSVP volunteers in Montgomery County, Maryland, are assisting police by helping with office work that would otherwise pull officers away from their focus on citizen safety. Volunteers log in evidence, assist victims, and perform related tasks for the police department. This is a collaborative program with the Montgomery County Police Department that began in 1996.

Issue

Law enforcement agencies often face pressures from lack of personnel or funding, potentially affecting their quick response to public safety. A partnership between the RSVP of Montgomery County, Maryland, and the Montgomery County Police Department was developed in 1996 to assist police with office work so officers can focus on public safety. Many communities have found such partnerships to be economical, effective, and rewarding.

Action

RSVP of Montgomery County, Maryland, has several volunteers working with the Montgomery County Police Department in Wheaton, Maryland. Some volunteers serve five days a week, while others serve four to 20 hours each per week. Volunteers log in evidence, contact victims of crime for police reports, arrange for someone to go to court with crime victims, assist with Youth Division of Family Services paperwork, track warrants, send letters to people being subpoenaed, and do other related office work.

Context

RSVP volunteers have assisted police departments with non-risk tasks for many years. Since the September 11 terrorism attacks, this assistance has become more critical as police focus on increased security needs. Volunteer interest in this program has increased in light of September 11 because seniors want to help their country by serving in their community.

Outcome

Police and citizens benefit because by assisting police with office work, RSVP volunteers provide police with more time to focus on security needs.

Volunteers benefit because they can make a meaningful contribution to the community and they feel a sense of strengthening the community in a time of need.