BASED at police stations across the state, about 350 ViPs give their time voluntarily to help police officers.
They are regarded as ‘important’ support for the police, but the ViP, in this case, stands for volunteers in policing.
Across the Bayside, which includes the Redlands and Wynnum, 14 ViPs fall under the police’s crime prevention co-ordinator Sergeant Chris Hebblethwaite, who said their contribution is very valuable.
Helping spread crime prevention messages is one of their key roles.
Previously a counsellor for Lifeline, Susan Ryan said she applied to become a ViP about five years ago after seeing information in the newspaper.
“We all know how busy the police can be,” she said.
“I thought if I can support them that’s a contribution that is worth my time as a volunteer.”
ViP Ken Dickson said one role was to attend functions to hand out crime prevention information, sometimes with volunteers from Crime Stoppers.
The volunteers do not perform administrative or policing functions at the station.
However, they are sometimes given information which is passed on to the police.
“People talk to us at events or when we are distributing information,” Mr Dickson said.
Sergeant Hebblethwaite said the volunteers may be asked to go to areas where a crime has occurred to drop off pamphlets to ask for anyone with CCTV cameras or witnesses, or to alert people of a trend in their neighbourhood.
Page Jackson, a ViP for over seven years, said they sometimes provided information about motor vehicle security at shopping centres.
“When we see them turn around and go back to check their vehicle is secure, then we know we are having an effect.”
The ViPs also do presentations for community groups on topics such as identity theft, scams and cybersafety.
“People appreciate the free brochures and information that we give them,” said Ms Ryan.
She said there was a daunting aspect to volunteering in a police station and the safety of volunteers was important.
“There are also rules and regulations about how we operate,” added Mr Dickson.
Information about the volunteers, including an application form, is available on the Queensland Police Service website.
The form can be posted to Crime Prevention Unit, c/o Wynnum Police Station, Pine Street, Wynnum, 4178.