Volunteers in Probation (VIP) Program Alameda County Probation Department

To enrich the lives of the community by partnering with the Alameda County Probation Department's staff and assist in providing mentoring opportunities, preventative and follow ­up services to both adult and juvenile clients while gaining experience, building positive relationships, and networking with various community-based organizations as well as other members the criminal justice community.

The Alameda County Probation Department’s VIP program was created by Judge George Brunn in 1971. It was his belief that it took people, not organizations, to help people. “In order to make a free society work, the public must have every chance to participate in the workings of major institutions.  The more citizens participate, the less bureaucratic institutions are going to be.”

VIPs assist Probation staff in the process of reintegrating clients back into the community, working directly under the supervision of a Deputy Probation Officer or Institutional Supervisor. VIPs provide individualized supervision to one or more clients. For example, they may be able to see selected clients more frequently, make additional home visits, and/or escort clients to appointments at community programs. They work on a one-­on­-one basis as mentors, tutors, or role models. Within the Juvenile Facilities, a volunteer may provide counseling and religious services, or assist in educational or recreational programs.

To become a VIP, you must meet the following criteria:

• Must have a genuine interest in working in the Criminal Justice System with adult and juvenile clients
• Must be at least 21 years of age
• Must commit to the program for one full year
• Must be able to participate in the program a minimum of four hours per week
• Must be free of the Criminal Justice system (Parole or Probation) for at least two years
• Must possess a valid California Driver’s License
• College students may volunteer for a minimum of one quarter or semester but must meet all other criteria.

Each applicant must submit to:

• Fingerprinting
• Background and Reference Check
• Completing the VIP Orientation

Are you up to the challenge of becoming a Volunteer in Probation and making a difference in someone’s life?

If you would like to become a VIP, send your name, address, and telephone number to vip@acgov.org.

Fill out the VIP Application Packet after you receive a response from the VIP Coordinator.