The Volunteer Citizen Patrol Program (VCPP) is based on the concept of utilizing the talents and skills of volunteers from within the local community as partners in public safety. Citizen Patrol volunteers are specially trained by the Sheriff’s Office to respond to many non-emergency and routine calls for service that do not require law enforcement or regulatory authority.

The VCPP was created to reduce crime, improve the safety of our citizens, improve the quality of life within Hillsborough County and allow community members to become active participants in the process of crime control and prevention.

Volunteers donate their time to patrol while driving specially marked Sheriff’s Office vehicles. Volunteers receive training in areas such as crime prevention, CPR, traffic control, and community policing. The VCP patrol between the hours of 6AM to midnight daily, seven days per week. Each VCP vehicle will patrol with two volunteers per shift.

To become a citizen patrol volunteer you must be a U.S. citizen, be 19 years of age or older, possess a valid Florida driver’s license, pass a screening test, complete VCPP training, be willing to attend monthly meetings and be willing to volunteer a minimum of 12 hours per month.

Only by working together will we address and resolve community problems and affect lasting change in the communities where we live and raise our families. Sheriff Chronister needs volunteers who want to help keep our county safe. If you have the desire to help the Sheriff’s Office and your neighbors, we want to hear from you.

Citizen Patrol volunteers will receive comprehensive training, uniforms and on the street guidance as you patrol in one of our specially marked vehicles. The Citizen Patrol is now in eight areas, Apollo Beach, Bloomingdale, Brandon, Lutz, Riverview, Town-n-Country and Westchase. If you are interested in being a volunteer or wish more information about the program, please call: (813) 247-8115 or visit our Contact Us page.