Austin Police Department 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 100 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.

Crisis Response Teams

Consisting of a Team Leader and Team Member (usually a 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 respond to 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 crisis situations. The teams are also available to respond to requests from Austin 's emergency medical services and fire department.

How to Become a Volunteer

Application Process

If you are interested in becoming a Victim Services volunteer you must complete a volunteer application f orm. You can access the application on the Austin Police Department’s website - http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/police/ - click on Victim Services – Volunteer Opportunities – Volunteer Application. You may also call 974-4286 and request an application be mailed to you, either via regular mail or email. You may mail the completed application to:

Austin Police Department
Victim Services Division
P.O. Box 689001
Austin , Texas 78768-9001
Or fax to 974-6619
Or email to

Someone will call you before the next training, usually trainings are held once in the spring and once in the fall of each year, and arrange an interview.

Restrictions

A criminal history background check will take place prior to your 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. It is preferred that Victim Services volunteers have either a degree or two years experience in the mental health field.

Training Provided

Crisis Response Team volunteers are provided 40 hours of basic training. This training consists of basic crisis intervention counseling, specific crime type counseling, crime scene safety and procedures, cultural issues, and large incident call up procedures.

Time Commitment

Crisis team members are expected to complete the 40 hours of training, do an observation ride, and then volunteer a minimum of one shift per month (preferably more) for twelve months.

Please call Victims Services Volunteer Program at 974-4286 if you have any questions.

Thank you for your interest.