VIP Recruitment and Membership

Recruiting is done primarily by word of mouth and referrals from the Volunteer Centers of Santa Clara County, Neighborhood Watch Newsletters, local newspapers, public service announcements, the electronic media, and periodic presentations at service clubs and senior residence complexes. Volunteer members of the Los Gatos/Monte Police Department consist of citizens from all age groups.

If you would like to get more information on the Volunteers in Policing Program, please contact Gwen Cross at (408) 354-6842 or

Each selected citizen volunteer will, with the exception of the polygraph and psychological examination, undergo the same records check and background investigation that is provided to civilian employees of the Department prior to the start date of the citizen volunteer.

After a volunteer has successfully passed the background, interview, academy training, and is accepted for placement in the program, a Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police V.I.P. Identification Card will be issued. All volunteers use this identification card only while performing duties for the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department.

>        Each volunteer will be required to work a minimum, but not limited to, 4 hours per week and attend monthly V.I.P. meetings

>        Each V.I.P. meeting will count for an additional 2 hours of volunteer service

>        Once a volunteer has reached 100 hours of volunteer service, they receive a V.I.P. Service Pin

>        Upon reaching 500 hours, they receive a Silver VIP Shield Patch

>        Upon reaching 1,000 hours, they receive a Gold VIP Shield Patch to be worn on their uniforms

>        A 1,500 and 2,000 hour patch is also awarded

>        When a VIP reaches 2,500 hours of service, they then receive a Silver Medal Shield.