News

The Visalia Police Department is now accepting applications for the 2025

“Citizens Police Academy and Volunteer in Police Service (VIPS)."

The Citizen Academy is an eight-week course that takes a deeper dive into the inner workings of the Visalia Police Department. It brings a greater awareness and better understanding of local law enforcement’s challenging and unique role within the community.

The VIPS Police Academy is a ten-week course designed to acquaint prospective volunteers with the inner workings of the Visalia Police Department while being trained to become a “Volunteer in Police Service."

All instructors are Visalia Police Department personnel trained in various areas such as Police Ethics, Crime Scene Investigation, Homicide and burglary Investigation, K-9, SWAT, Bomb Unit, Patrol Procedures, Traffic & DUI procedures, Gang and narcotics Enforcement, and Crime Prevention.

Upon successful completion of the VIPS course and a background investigation, members will be sworn in as Volunteers in Police Service, ready to assist in essential non-hazardous duties. Some of these duties will include administrative and office functions and field operations such as community events, parades, traffic control, and DUI checkpoints.

An Informational Meeting will be held on February 4, 2025 6 p.m. in City Hall West, located at 707 W. Acequia Ave., Visalia.

Applications are available through March 7, 2025. Classes are scheduled to begin on May 6, 2025.