The Sheriff's Volunteer Program fosters community involvement, awareness, and support of the Ada County Sheriff's Office. Volunteering also provides additional resources, time and talent to enhance the mission of the Sheriff's Office. Volunteers with the Ada County Sheriff's Office are highly valued and are a significant component of public safety in Ada County. It is also an exciting and rewarding way to give back to your community!
Volunteers can help out in a variety of ways from assisting administration with filing and office projects, to helping with community events and working alongside commissioned deputies.
As a volunteer you will make lasting friendships, receive training and supervision, recognition and appreciation for your time and talent, and lots of personal fulfillment.
Frequently Asked Questions about ACSO Volunteers
- What do Sheriff's Office volunteers do?
- Who can apply?
- How do I apply?
- What volunteer opportunities are available?
What do Sheriff's Office volunteers do?
Volunteers have a variety of opportunities within the Sheriff's Office. These include everything from administrative duties, such as filing and office projects, to community events and assisting commissioned deputies with policing activities.
Who can apply?
Anyone who has the desire to contribute to the quality of life in the community can apply. Applicants must meet established minimum standards for volunteers including:
- No felony convictions
- No misdemeanor convictions for domestic battery, child abuse, stalking or peeping tom
- No DUI convictions or driver's license suspensions in the past 3 years
- Not currently under the jurisdiction of the court
- No illegal drug use in the last 3 years (recovering addicts and alcoholics must have 3 years of established sobriety)
- No dishonorable discharges
How do I apply?
The easiest and fastest way to get started is to complete our online application. After you fill out the application, the volunteer coordinator will contact you to coordinate:
- An in-person interview
- A criminal history and background check
- A polygraph examination
What Volunteer Opportunities are available?
The following is a list of current volunteer opportunities.
Dispatch Assistant:
Volunteers are needed to do special projects in the Dispatch Center at the Public Safety Building on Barrister, such as reviewing 911 calls for quality assurance and inputting data into a database. Requires organizational skills, knowledge of computers, and approx. 8 hours of training. Hours are flexible during the workday. Prefer an ongoing, long-term placement.
McGruff the Crime Dog:
Volunteers are needed to play the part of Mcgruff the Crime Dog (wearing the Mcgruff costume.) McGruff does not speak; he only uses hand motions and hands out stickers and suckers to children of all ages. Volunteers also needed to operate McGruff and his cruiser with a remote and a headset for speaking. Male volunteers preferred and should be between 5'7" and 6'3" tall, should appear reasonably fit and of normal build, and should not appear obviously female when in costume. Hours vary and may include some weekends and evenings.
Eagle Greenbelt Patrol:
Help keep the Eagle greenbelt safe by being extra eyes and ears for officers. Walk or ride the Eagle Greenbelt at your convenience. Training is provided and hours are very flexible. This is a fun outdoor volunteer opportunity!
Community Resource Officer/Crime Prevention Assistants:
Personable, outgoing volunteers are needed to assist the Community Resource Officer with the Neighborhood Watch program, McGruff House program, Community Safety fairs, and various special events. Training on Neighborhood Watch and McGruff House programs provided. Hours are flexible and include some evenings and weekends-approx. 1-2 hours a week. This is a fun volunteer opportunity!
Substation Assistants:
Personable, outgoing individuals are needed to volunteer periodically at the Eagle, Star, and Kuna substations. These positions include lots of contact with the public answering phones, light computer work, various office tasks, and offering information to walk-in patrons. Training is provided, and hours vary on an as-needed basis.
Purchasing Department Assistants:
Volunteers are needed to assist in the purchasing department sorting uniforms and organizing office supplies. Hours are flexible during the workday.
Crime Analysis Unit:
A volunteer is needed to compile statistics prepared from the Crime Analysis Unit into a newsletter format. Creativity and knowledge of computers needed. Hours are flexible during the workday.
Sheriff's Youth Foundation:
Creative and outgoing volunteers are needed to assist with parades and community events to promote the youth license plate and provide education and information to the public on drug/alcohol and gang prevention.
Student Internships:
Qualifying college students can earn credit while exploring a career with law enforcement. Placements are designed to meet the students' goals and give them opportunities to experience all areas of the Sheriff's Office.
Contact the Volunteer Coordinator for information on more ways you can help!
For information about our Jail Volunteer Program, click here.
Do you have other questions? Contact Myrna Harris at (208) 577-3775 or email mharris@adaweb.net.