Volunteers in Police Service

Welcome to the City of Bethlehem Police Department. We appreciate your willingness to help us help the community. We feel that this is an exciting program where the people can help the Police help the Community.
As Police Officers we operate within the bounds of Confidentiality, Dependability, Loyalty, Dedication and Professionalism. We ask that you also adopt these qualities as your own as a volunteer. You must respect the confidentiality of all people, materials and information that you gain awareness of as a Volunteer.

As the volunteer coordinator, I want ensure that each volunteer is well matched with the assignment they are chosen for. If at any time you are not satisfied with your assigned position, or if your situation changes, and you are unable to continue your volunteer service please do not hesitate to contact me. We will make every attempt to adjust the situation as necessary. Thank you for your interest in volunteering to assist the City of Bethlehem Police Department.

Officer Fabian Martinez
Coordinator of Volunteers

Application Process

It is important to fill out your application completely or it cannot be processed. Remember that participation in other Bethlehem Police Department Programs does not guarantee acceptance into the V.I.P.S. program. The following steps need to be completed to join the V.I.P.S. program:

1. Application:
   Complete the application form. (** Release of Personal Information Form must be notarized) Return completed form online or mail to:
   
   Volunteers in Police Service
   City of Bethlehem Police Dept.
   10 E. Church St.
   Bethlehem, PA 18018
   
2. Application Review:
   Your application will be reviewed by the V.I.P.S. staff. All information must be completed to have the application considered.
   
3. Character Reference:
   Reference forms will be mailed to the individuals you have provided on the application. Failure to provide complete address information will result in the application being denied. After the City of Bethlehem Police Department receives the completed reference forms the process will move on to the next step.
   
4. Interview and Finger Prints:
   After receiving positive character reference forms , the applicant will be contacted by the V.I.P.S coordinator to establish a date and time for an interview and fingerprinting of the applicant.
   
5. Acceptance of non-acceptance:
   All applicants will be notified by mail of their acceptance or non-acceptance into the V.I.P.S program.

** ( NOTE THAT UNDER THE “TERMS AND SIGNATURE” SECTION OF THE APPLICATION FORM, AN APPLICANT WILL RELEASE THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM AND THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM PROVIDING A REASON FOR DENIAL INTO THE PROGRAM.)

Upon acceptance into the V.I.P.S. program you will be required to complete or have completed the City of Bethlehem "Citizen Police Academy"