Volunteer

The Stockton Police Department is looking for the best and brightest volunteers – those with the aptitude and sense of commitment, those who want to help our community and make a difference. 

Our goal is to provide the highest level of professional public service to the wide range of culturally diverse groups that make up Stockton – with the help of community members willing to volunteer their time to work with the Stockton Police Department. 

In an effort to create volunteer opportunities with the Stockton Police Department, we have developed several volunteer opportunities that span across multiple age groups. 

Police Reserves

All applicants must be a Level 1 Reserve or completed the P.O.S.T. Basic Law Enforcement Academy.

Other requirements include:

  • Completed Application for Police Reserves

  • 21 years of age on or before the appointment date

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien eligible for and applied for citizenship

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent

  • Valid California driver's license and car insurance coverage

  • Reside within 45 minutes of the Stockton Police Department

  • Pass psychological evaluation, polygraph, background investigation, and medical exam

  • Must successfully complete a P.O.S.T. Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

  • Reserve Officer Duties

Upon completion of FTO training, Level 1 Reserve Police Officers will perform the same duties as regular Police Officers and have full Peace Officer status while on duty.

Learn more about Police Reserves.

 

 

Volunteers in Police Service (V.I.P.S.)

Stockton Police Department VIPS are 40 years and older and interested in helping their community improve the quality of life. 

Volunteers in Police Service was conceived in January 1992 to assist the Police Department and residents.

Learn more about VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service).

 

 

Sentinels

The Stockton Police Department Sentinel Program is a volunteer program at the Police Department for adults wanting to work in law enforcement. 

Some volunteers are interested in a law enforcement career, some have a career but always liked the idea of working in law enforcement, some are looking to fill some free time, and others feel strongly about improving their community by helping their local Police Department.

To join the Sentinel Program, a citizen must be age 18+ with a high school diploma or equivalent who can volunteer at least 16 hours a month.   

Learn more about Sentinels.

 

Youth Activities and Police Cadets 

This program helps young adults develop responsibility, trust, teamwork, and other leadership characteristics and possibly become future Police Officers.

Qualifications for Junior Cadet Service are:

  • age 14 to 17 1/2 at time of application,
  • enrolled in high school with a good attendance,
  • maintain at least a 2.0-grade average,
  • have no serious criminal history, and
  • complete a 40-hour Cadet Academy.

Learn more about Youth Activities and Junior Cadets.