victim services volunteer opportunities
Volunteers play an integral part in the programs and services of the Victim Services Division of the Austin Police Department. Over 200 volunteers contribute almost 6,000 hours to direct services in the Division.
Why Should I Be a Volunteer?
- Make a difference in the Austin Community
- Increase job skills
- Explore a new career
- Develop new interests
- Gain valuable experience
There are as many reasons for volunteering, as there are people who volunteer. Your decision to contribute and volunteer your talents will make the Austin community a better place in which to live. Victim Services has been providing counseling to victims of crimes and their families since 1980.
Types of Positions
There are five main types of volunteer opportunities in the Victim Services Division.
- Crisis Response Teams
Consisting of a team leader and community volunteer, the crisis teams are equipped with an unmarked car and police radio and operate 24 hours, seven days a week. Teams are available to officers and investigators citywide by request. The teams also respond to all calls of victims in distress including sexual assault, robbery and physical assault, suicide attempts or threats, families of suicide or homicide victims, hostage situations, emotionally disturbed persons, domestic disturbances, family violence, child abuse and neglect, as well as other persons in social crisis situations. The teams are also available to respond to requests from Austin's emergency medical services and fire department.
- Administrative Support
There is often a need for people who can provide secretarial and reception services, statistical analysis, and help with production of the newsletter. Special projects are available which may involve telephone or mail contact with other volunteers, victims, and the public.
How to Become a Volunteer
- Application Process
If you are interested in any of the volunteer positions available, you must complete a volunteer application form. You may then call Victims Services at 974-5037 and arrange a screening interview with the volunteer coordinator. All interviews take place in the Austin Police Department Headquarters Building at 715 E. 8th Street.
- Restrictions
A background check of your references will take place prior to acceptance as a volunteer with Victim Services. You must be 21 years of age or older and have no Class B Misdemeanor or felony convictions (Class A or B for ALERT volunteers). Crisis team volunteers must have either a degree in a mental health area or 2 years counseling experience.
- Training Provided
Crisis team volunteers are provided 72 hours of basic training, which includes one 10-hour patrol, ride with a police officer. Basic training for ALERT volunteers ranges from three to eight hours, depending upon the type of counseling to be provided.
- Time Commitment
Crisis team members are expected to volunteer a minimum of one shift per month for twelve months. Volunteer coordinators arrange a weekly schedule. ALERT volunteers can expect to be called out a maximum of twice a year.
For more information, call (512) 974-5037 or fax at (512) 974-6619. You can download the volunteer application and return it to the address below if you are interested in volunteering. We can be reached by e-mail at victim.services@ci.austin.tx.us
After downloading and printing the application, complete the application and return it to:
Austin Police Department
Victim Services
715 East 8th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
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