Volunteers In Protection (VIP’s) are one of the most visible parts of the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. These dedicated volunteers bring their own personal talents to the service of all of us here in Yavapai County. They provide valuable support to the various Sections within the Sheriff’s Office and have become an integral part of day-to-day operations.
Citizens who choose to become VIP’s come from all walks of life and can be either an Administrative VIP (non-armed) or an Armed VIP. Those VIP’s who work field positions such as Patrol or Jail Transport will carry a firearm. They also must meet Arizona POST Certified Deputy firearms training, undergo psychological testing, conform to established physical fitness standards and consent to a urinalysis in order to qualify as an Armed VIP. Once an applicant passes the selection process he or she will attend an academy designed specifically for them.
VIP’s provide valuable assistance to virtually every Division, Bureau and Section within the Sheriff’s Office. Members assist the patrol deputies by providing back-up on calls, transport prisoners to jail, provide traffic control at accident scenes and many other law enforcement related activities. VIP’s are also used to process paperwork for the Civil and Warrants, Records and Criminal Investigations.
Persons interested in joining the Patrol Group must be at least twenty-one (21) years old, Administrative VIP’s must be at least eighteen (18) years old. Both must be a United States Citizen, possess a valid Arizona drivers license, be a resident of Yavapai County and pass a background investigation.