Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities with Manatee County Sheriff's Office

Volunteers serve with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office in a wide range of capacities, selflessly donating their time to help the agency better serve the citizens of Manatee County.

Volunteers can assist in various roles including:

• Clerical Support - General office duties to high-tech computer skills helping in a variety of areas throughout the agency
• Crime Analysis - Assist with running reports on crime statistics to fill requests from the public, other agencies, and within our agency
• Human Resources / Employee Health Benefits - Assist with general office duties; filing, scanning, and organizational skills a must
• Investigative Aide - Assist investigations with call backs, logging and tracking case paperwork, and using one's own knowledge or skills to help assist detectives
• Records - General office duties, scanning, organizing, and other duties to help keep reports organized and available for retrieval in a timely and accurate manner
• Special Programs Assistance - Assist the Crime Prevention Unit / Volunteer Coordinator in a variety of ways: Attending special events, recruitment of volunteers, assisting with agency surveys, Business Trespass Program assistance, etc.
• Training - Help the training section with general office duties and, if qualified, instructing agency personnel
• TRU (Telephone Reporting Unit) / Front Desk - Assist the deputies at the main entrance of the sheriff's office by greeting visitors, inquiring of their business, and directing them to appropriate locations
• VCSA (Volunteer Community Service Aide) - Assist the patrol function by handling minor incidents and calls for service, directing traffic, handicap parking enforcement, speed trailer requests, and various other duties (requires attending a 3-week mini-academy, possess a valid driver's license, and passing a state-certified driving class)
• Victim Advocate - Assists victim advocates by responding with them to calls with traumatized victims, victims in need of emotional or judicial support, and assist with compensation and resource referrals

The Volunteer Program is comprised of civilians; not certified law enforcement. There is no limit on the number of hours you can volunteer but a minimum requirement of 8-hours every three months must be met unless there are exigent circumstances, such as sickness, part-time resident, or other reasons approved by the Volunteer Coordinator.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities required include:

• Ability to review documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance; compile data and information for reports; compose letters and memoranda; explain policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate records, logs, or other documentation as required by the position.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize work.
• Ability to perform other clerical duties such as filing, answering the phone and/or compiling correspondence.
• Knowledge of general office policies, procedures and practices.
• Skill in the use of office equipment including computers and various software applications.

Physical Abilities

• Required to speak and clearly. Often required to sit and use hands and fingers, to handle or feel. Occasionally may be required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb stairs or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Hear and see at normal range or with accommodation.

Tasks and policies include:

• Tasks - Provides information, assistance, and services to the general public, employees, and others in person, by telephone or by other forms of communication.
• Successfully completes all assignments to specifications, within specified time-frame and budget as directed and in accordance with agency policies and regulations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Policy - Follows standard office procedures, safety policies and procedures and agency General Orders. Maintains good interpersonal relations (the manner in which the employee responds emotionally and verbally) with the public, other employees, and supervisors. This policy also relates to the image the employee projects and includes cleanliness and personal grooming.

Minimum qualifications include:

• Minimum of a 10th grade education required.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees that fosters, maintains and promotes equal employment opportunity for all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, political affiliation, veteran's status, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, to include transgender status, disability or status in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law.