Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteer assignments depend on the specific skills, interests and background of the volunteer as well as the needs of the Sheriff’s Office.

  1. Child ID Fingerprinting Technician: (POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN) Represent the Sheriff’s Office at scheduled community events. Fingerprint children for I.D. purposes.
  2. Child Safety Program Presentation Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN) Assist a Sheriff’s Office Staff with presenting the Child Safety Program in elementary school. Work with students in small group discussions, activities and skits to facilitate learning various topics related to their safety.
  3. Civil Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Enter check numbers and checks amounts into Civil database and reconcile with bank statement
  4. Civilian Patrol Driver: (POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN) Drive Sheriff’s Office volunteer vehicle. Conduct security checks of neighborhoods, parks and of specific residences participating in the vacation watch program. Verify abandoned vehicles and document for code enforcement officer.
  5. Community Contact Team Member: (POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN) Provide current and accurate information by personally disseminating information to a specific affected area identified by the Sheriff’s Office.
  6. Coroner Clerical Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Provide clerical assistance to the Corner’s department. The assistant will most likely consist of clerical duties and other duties as assigned.
  7. Coroner Forensic Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Provide autopsy and investigative assistance to the Coroner Department.
  8. Coroner Statistical Projects Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Assist the Coroner Pathologist with epidemiological data collection and analysis with a primary focus on opioid deaths in Santa Cruz County.
  9. Crime Prevention Inspector: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Assist Sheriff’s Office staff with the Crime Prevention Inspection Program by conducting site visits to residences and businesses, performing inspections and providing written recommendations.
  10. Event Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN) Represent the Sheriff’s Office and serve at scheduled community events such as the County Fair, National Night Out, Wharf to Wharf, and Trunk or Treat Halloween Festival
  11. Fixed Wing Pilot Volunteer: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Conduct flights and be responsible for the proper conduct and safety of the flight for several missions, including but not limited to search and rescue operations, surveillance, natural disaster operations, civil unrest and preplanned events.
  12. Forensic Clerical Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Provide clerical, administrative and project assistance to support the Forensics Sections
  13. Forensic Technical Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Assist the Coroner Section and Forensic Services in a variety of technical assignments.
  14. Genealogy Research Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Assist in the research of unidentified cases where there is a genetic profile appropriate for genealogy database research.
  15. Historical Archive Photo Specialist: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Organize, label display and research the history of the Sheriff’s Office.
  16. Investigation Crime Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Assist the Investigation Division with cold-case crimes.
  17. Minor Decoy: (POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN) Under direct deputy supervision, minor decoy will attempt to purchase alcohol and tobacco from licensed businesses in Santa Cruz County. Volunteer must between 19 ½ to 20 years old.
  18. Missing Persons Unit Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Assist the Investigation Division with the investigation of missing person cases.
  19. Patrol Chaplain: (POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN) Support Patrol staff and the public during and after traumatic events.
  20. Records Data Entry: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Data entry to assist Records staff when work is backlogged or there is a staff shortage. Data is entered into the local Records system.
  21. Recruitment and Hiring Clerical Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Assist the Recruitment and Hiring Division with clerical support for recruitment, testing, hiring and events.
  22. Service Center Office Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN) Greet and assist the public at the Service Centers. Provide the public with information and referrals, provide crime prevention information, answer phone calls, perform clerical duties and special projects.
  23. Sheriff’s Activity League Assistant: (POSITION CURRENTLY CLOSED) Assist and support the Sheriff’s Activity League with recreational activities for youth in our community.

Qualifications Required:

  • Minimum 18 years of age.
  • Good moral standards and a desire to take an active role in improving the quality of life in the community
  • A valid California driver's license and a good driving record (depending upon the specific duties assigned)
  • Basic Computer Skills
  • Satisfactory completion of a background check
  • Customer Service experience

*Volunteers will not be armed and will not carry any kind of weapon.

Training:
The Volunteer Training Academy is a total of 4 days spread out over a two week period, and is presented by Sheriff personnel.

Time commitment:
A minimum commitment of 6 months is required, at a minimum of 16 hours per month. Volunteers generally work one four-hour shift, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How to apply:

Volunteer Coordinator:
Daisy Barron
daisy.barron@santacruzcountyca.gov
5200 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831)454-7686

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