Volunteer Opportunities

The Chula Vista Police Department has a variety of ways citizens can offer volunteer services. Volunteers supplement both officer and police civilian positions. Select a tile below to learn more about each volunteer program.

Cadet Program

The Chula Vista Police Cadet Program began in 1968 as a participant in the national Law Enforcement Explorer Program and is now a participant of the Public Safety Cadets program. The purpose of the program is to acquaint young people, ages 14 to 20, with the objectives of public safety in our community and to instill and promote sound morals, ethical conduct, and respect for law and order.

Select a dropdown below to learn more.

Cadet Eligibility Requirements

Reasons to Become a CVPD Cadet

Hands-on Experience: Cadets gain practical experience in law enforcement tasks, such as traffic control, community policing, and assisting officers with administrative duties. This experience is invaluable for understanding the daily responsibilities of police officers.
Career Preparation: Being a Cadet is an excellent stepping stone for those who want to pursue a full-time career in law enforcement. It provides a strong foundation in police work, making the transition to becoming an officer smoother.
Skill Development: Cadets develop essential skills, such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. These skills are not only crucial in law enforcement but are also transferable to other fields.
Community Engagement: Cadets have the opportunity to engage with the community, build relationships, and make a positive impact. This interaction fosters a deeper understanding of the community's needs and challenges.
Networking: Cadets work closely with police officers and other law enforcement professionals, providing valuable networking opportunities. These connections can be beneficial for future job prospects.
Discipline and Structure: The CVPD Cadet Program instills discipline, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. The structured environment helps Cadets develop a sense of duty and commitment.
Physical Fitness: The CVPD Cadet Program emphasizes physical fitness, helping participants maintain a healthy lifestyle and prepare for the physical demands of police work.
Exploration of Interests: For those unsure if law enforcement is the right career path, being a Cadet allows for exploration without the immediate commitment of becoming a full-time officer.
Sense of Purpose: Serving as a Cadet can be fulfilling for individuals who want to contribute to public safety and help their community. It offers a sense of purpose and pride in serving others.

Interested in joining or have questions about the program? Please email cadets@chulavistapdca.gov to learn more.

Citizen's Adversity Support Team (CAST)

Since 1993, the Chula Vista Citizen's Adversity Support Team (CAST) has provided 24-hour trauma coverage for the community. Trained volunteers provide emotional support, arrange for follow-up services, serve as advocates for the rape victims, and generally assist families with their unique needs in time of trauma. The CAST program is a coalition of the Chula Vista Police and Fire departments, American Medical Service, Scripps Memorial Hospital, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, and Greenwood and Glen Abbey Mortuaries. Training sessions are scheduled at least once each year.

For more information about the CAST program please call (619) 691-5213.

Reserve Officers

The Reserve Officer Unit is a volunteer organization comprised of academy trained police officers who augment the department by assisting with routine patrol functions, special events and traffic. Reserve officers are required to attend the Police Academy for POST certification.

You may be eligible to become a Reserve Officer if you meet the following requirements:

Must be 21 years of age.
Must have a valid California Driver’s License.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law as defined under California Government Code section 1031.
Graduate from United States high school or possess GED.
No felony convictions as a juvenile or adult and cannot be on probation.
No domestic violence convictions and cannot be subject of any domestic violence court restraining order.
Must have a good character and reputation.
Must have completed a California POST-approved basic police or reserve academy.

For more information, please call (619) 691-5217.

Senior Volunteer Patrol

The Chula Vista Senior Volunteer Patrol (SVP) program was established in 1994 and is made up of formally trained, uniformed volunteers age 50 and older. SVP members assist the Chula Vista Police Department by performing a variety of non-critical and non-hazardous duties that support public safety and community services. Their work allows sworn officers to focus on higher-priority calls for service.

Volunteers help with services such as vacation house checks, vehicle abatement, handicap parking enforcement, traffic control, crime prevention programs, and community events.

SVP members come from all backgrounds. Whether you previously worked in the military, education, trades, business, or another field, no law enforcement experience is required. We provide the training and equipment — and your life experience helps make a difference in the community.

Interested in learning more? The first step is completing a ride-along with an SVP patrol team. Call (619) 476-2417 or email svpp@chulavistapdca.gov.

Select a dropdown below to learn more.

SVP Assigned Duties

Senior Volunteer Patrol members assist the department in many ways, including:

Enforcing parking regulations (handicap parking, RV permits, fire lanes, time-limited parking) through warnings or citations
Assisting the Vehicle Abatement Program by identifying abandoned or inoperable vehicles
Conducting Vacation Checks for Chula Vista residents who are away from home
Providing traffic control when needed
Patrolling schools, business districts, and parking lots
Transporting CVPD vehicles to and from maintenance yards
Delivering documents to and from the courthouse
Assisting the Homeless Outreach Team by observing and reporting activity
Documenting graffiti for national tracking databases
Assisting with community events such as National Night Out, Evening With Heroes, and the Starlight Parade
Serving as a Duty Officer, coordinating daily SVP patrol assignments and activities
Maintaining SVP equipment and activity records
Performing other duties as assigned by CVPD

What SVP Volunteers Do Not Do

SVP Program Expectations

Volunteers who join the SVP program are expected to:

Complete a ride-along with an SVP patrol team before applying
Pass a background investigation
Attend a 3-day academy along with on-the-job activities with a Field Training Officer
Commit to the program for at least one year
Perform a minimum of six hours of service per week (typically one 6-hour shift)
Attend monthly meetings (approximately one hour)
Always prioritize personal safety and professionalism

SVP Qualifications

To join the Senior Volunteer Patrol, applicants must:

Be 50 years of age or older (some waivers may be available)
Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license (some waivers possible)
Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
Have strong communication skills with the public and on radio systems
Maintain a professional appearance and attitude
Be able to complete required SVP/CVPD documentation

Applicants do not need to be retired, but must be able to meet the program expectations.

How to Join the SVP Team

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Cadet Program

C.A.S.T.

Reserve Officers

Senior Volunteer Patrol

Citizen's Adversity Support Team (CAST)

Reserve Officers