Becoming an MPD Volunteer
The Volunteer Corps provides members of the Washington, DC community opportunities to assist with MPD’s daily operations. MPD benefits from the skills and abilities of our volunteers, while increasing their exposure to police operations, and save money for the city. Volunteers serve as knowledgeable ambassadors to and of the communities they represent and strengthen the Department's community relationships. Volunteers serve as Domestic Violence Liaisons or part of MPD’s Chaplain Corps.
Domestic Violence Liaison:
The DC Metropolitan Police Department is proud to announce the successful re-launch of our Domestic Violence Liaison (DVL) Volunteer Program. The program pairs MPD Volunteer Corps DVLs with patrol officers to respond to domestic violence calls for service, providing victims with the necessary resources and support they may need. Our DVLs have undergone specialized training from DC Survivors and Advocates for Empowerment (DC SAFE) and MPD, making them equipped to provide victims and survivors of violence with valuable resources and support.
Prior to starting, volunteers will receive 20+ hours of specialized training provided by DC SAFE and MPD. Once you have successfully undergone training, volunteers will then begin to sign up for shifts to ride along with patrol officers. It is important to note that when responding to 911 calls for service, including domestic violence calls, volunteers do not act as law enforcement personnel, but rather as liaisons between DC SAFE, MPD and domestic violence victims in need of services.
As liaisons between MPD, DC SAFE, and victims, the success of the program depends on collaboration between all parties. DVLs' main role is to provide victims with information and resources from across the District, make required notifications and referrals to DC SAFE when appropriate, and communicate with DC SAFE as needed to ensure victims are connected as quickly as possible to resources. This collaboration ensures that victims are supported and connected with the appropriate resources.
For more information, please complete an online interest card or contact us at:
Chaplain Corps:
Every day, police officers are faced with difficult decisions, some of which can be traumatic or life-altering. In the event such unfortunate instances occur, it is imperative that our officers know they have someone they can speak to who fully understands their circumstances and the struggle they may be facing, while also remaining emotionally detached enough so as to offer proper guidance and comfort.
The MPD has a long-standing Chaplain Corps to offer assistance, empathy and compassion to its members. To better support our members, MPD is currently recruiting leaders of all faiths and denominations to serve as volunteer police chaplains. All who meet the eligibility criteria are welcome to apply.
Chaplain Corps members respond to critical incidents, provide counsel to the MPD members who request their service, visit the MPD members who are sick or injured either at home or in the hospital, attend the funerals of active and retired members, participate in Department events and community outreach, and present formal lectures as requested.
Qualifications for appointment as a chaplain include:
- Be an ordained member of the clergy in good standing for at least five years and be endorsed for chaplaincy by a recognized religious denomination.
- Show forth compassion, understanding, and love and easily relate to others.
- Maintain high spiritual and moral standards.
- Be willing and available to respond to any situation where a chaplain’s presence is needed and requested.
- Maintain confidentiality unless an officer discusses a crime that he/she has committed or they a danger to themselves or others.
- Never been convicted of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude.
- Current sworn members of MPD are not eligible to serve as a Chaplain.
To be considered, please complete the online application by 11:59 PM on June 10, 2022. You can formally apply here: https://forms.office.com/g/aL6m105srb
Community Engagement Academy:
Launched in 2015, the Community Engagement Academy allows community members to learn firsthand about police operations. Through this eight-week program, the Department provides participants with a personal view of the positive aspects and challenges that confront officers daily.
During training, participants learn about:
- The recruit training program.
- Common policing scenarios and challenges.
- Patrol Services and take station tours.
- Specialized policing units (e.g., K-9, bomb squad, harbor patrol).
- Use of Force.
- Various policing topics from command staff members.
There are three cohorts of the Community Engagement Academy held annually (Summer, Fall and Spring). Participants must undergo a basic background check prior to participation.
For more information, please complete an online interest card or contact us at:
Wanda Gattison
Special Assistant
Executive Office of the Chief of Police
Email: [email protected]
Community members from all seven police districts have participated in training, tours, discussion and presentations regarding MPD policies, practices and procedures on various police-related issues.