Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Americans have acted with courage, compassion and unity. President Bush has launched USA Freedom Corps, to inspire and enable all Americans to find ways to serve their community and their country. Citizen Corps is the component of USA Freedom Corps that creates opportunities for individuals to volunteer to help their communities prepare for and respond to emergencies by bringing together local leaders, citizen volunteers, and a network involving the Police, Fire and Medical personnel. The goal is to have all citizens participate in making their community safer and stronger through education and involvement.

The West Palm Beach Police Department is joining forces with West Palm Beach Fire Rescue to manage a Citizen Corps with features unique to our City. The existing Crime Prevention and Life Safety Programs sponsored by the two agencies have been merged and are now components of the West Palm Beach Citizen Corps. These programs include Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, the Citizen’s Police and Fire Academy, Neighborhood Watch, and the Citizen’s Observer Patrol (C.O.P.).

Another major component of the West Palm Beach Citizen Corps is the Volunteer Program. New Volunteer positions have been created within the Police and Fire Departments that will give you the opportunity to see from the inside how municipal public servants operate. Citizen Corps Volunteers support our Police and Firefighters by donating their time to enhance the efficiency of each department while learning more about Public Service and Administration.

Volunteering with Citizen Corps is a meaningful way to spend your extra time. You will learn new skills and develop new relationships all while providing a valuable service to your community. We desire to enable our Citizen Corps Volunteers to take part in the internal operations of the Police and Fire Departments like never before.

Currently, Citizen Corps Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. All volunteer applicants will be required to undergo a background screening and a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) prior to being assigned to a volunteer position. Examples of work performed by volunteers include data entry, report retrieval, filing, researching crime statistics, as well as various administrative support duties. Click here for a detailed list of available volunteer positions.

Volunteer applications are available for pickup at 600 Banyan Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information please contact Volunteer Coordinator Cheryl Sine at 561-822-1621.