Polk County Sheriff’s Phone# 863-298-6200
If in an emergency Dial 911
the vsso program
supporting law enforcement
Volunteer Sheriff's Service Officers
Members of the Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officer (VSSO) Program help support sworn Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and detectives so that they can remain focused on providing efficient law enforcement service to the citizens of Polk County. VSSO members are not utilized to replace sworn or other paid positions within the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, but rather to enhance the efficiency of the agency in order to reduce and solve crime. Selected members of the VSSO Program will work in the districts and bureaus of the PCSO which are located throughout Polk County. PCSO uniforms and equipment are provided.
VSSO tasks may include;
Clerical Support – General office duties
Data Entry duties
Reception desk assistance
Special projects and events
Patrol Duties in a PCSO patrol vehicle
Preparing reports on past-occurred crimes
Conducting minor traffic crash investigations
Investigating disabled parking violations
Issuing Citations
The VSSO program is not designed to allow volunteers to work in dangerous situations. Agency volunteers are not allowed to carry firearms while on duty.
Training
There are two classifications of VSSO members.
Level 1 VSSO - Position is designed for members who are interested in working in an office setting only. Members are required to attend a two week 80 hour academy normally taught in a standard classroom setting. Appropriate examinations are administered to ensure mastery of the subject matter followed by on the job training. After graduation, Level 1 VSSO members are required to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours monthly.
Level 2 VSSO - Position is designed for those members who wish to work in a patrol capacity. Training for this level consists of attending the initial Level 1 academy followed by attending an additional two week 80 hour Level 2 academy that is normally taught in a classroom setting, driving pad, and practical field exercises that include appropriate examinations to ensure mastery of the subject matter. Additional on the job training in the field with an FDLE certified Street Training Instructor is required. After graduation, Level 2 VSSO members are required to volunteer a minimum of 24 hours monthly.
NOTE: Training and certification for Level 2 VSSO members will be in accordance with the course curriculum established by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for Selective Traffic Enforcement Program for Civilians 1133 and Parking Enforcement Specialist for Civilians 1132.
Level 1 VSSO - Position is designed for members who are interested in working in an office setting only. Members are required to attend a two week 80 hour academy normally taught in a standard classroom setting. Appropriate examinations are administered to ensure mastery of the subject matter followed by on the job training. After graduation, Level 1 VSSO members are required to volunteer a minimum of 8 hours monthly.
Level 2 VSSO - Position is designed for those members who wish to work in a patrol capacity. Training for this level consists of attending the initial Level 1 academy followed by attending an additional two week 80 hour Level 2 academy that is normally taught in a classroom setting, driving pad, and practical field exercises that include appropriate examinations to ensure mastery of the subject matter. Additional on the job training in the field with an FDLE certified Street Training Instructor is required. After graduation, Level 2 VSSO members are required to volunteer a minimum of 24 hours monthly.
NOTE: Training and certification for Level 2 VSSO members will be in accordance with the course curriculum established by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for Selective Traffic Enforcement Program for Civilians 1133 and Parking Enforcement Specialist for Civilians 1132.
Qualification Requirements
VSSO Candidates must:
- Be at least 21 years of age at the time of application
- Be in good physical condition and mental health with no disabling physical condition
- Possess a valid Florida Class C driver's license
- Not have a history of criminal or improper personal conduct that may affect suitability for law enforcement work
- Possess a United States high school diploma or GED equivalent (college is preferred)
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be prepared to participate in and pass an oral interview with the VSSO Coordinator.
Interested in applying?
Candidates who are interested in serving the community and who successfully meet the qualification requirements and selection criteria of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Sheriff’s Service Officer Program must complete and submit an application to Volunteer Services at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. For additional information about the VSSO Program, please contact the VSSO Coordinator at 863-297-1177.
Note: Positions in the VSSO Program are limited.
Note: Positions in the VSSO Program are limited.
Download the PCSO Volunteer application
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