Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteers come from all walks of life. Some are fully employed elsewhere, some have families, some are single, some are students, and some are retired.

Anyone over 18 years of age is welcome to apply, with a valid California driver's license.

The Escondido Police Department does not offer student internships due to the extensive background investigation, uniforms provisions, and training required for volunteers. We generally require a commitment of at least two years. The background process, typically taking 3 to 6 months, exceeds the duration of most school semesters, making it infeasible for the student to complete the necessary internship hours within their academic time frame. 

The applicants can expect to be interviewed, fingerprinted, and have a background check done. The volunteers may elect to work day or evening hours during a seven day week. A minimum of 12 hours per month is required. Most volunteers have a regular schedule, although some may elect to be available "on call" or for special short-term assignments. Help is needed in nearly every area of the Police Department.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with the Volunteer Sergeant, please call 760-839-4908 or email for more information.

Volunteers have various responsibilities and duties. However, their main function is to perform non-hazardous duties that were previously handled by a sworn officer and non-sworn personnel. Volunteers may elect to work in one or more of the following areas:

Patrol

• Patrol the city in marked volunteer patrol cars and serve as the "Eyes and Ears" of the Department
• Provide citizen assistance
• Perform vacation house checks
• Exercise fixed point traffic control
• Participate in the Neighborhood Watch Program
• Enforce handicapped and fire lane parking regulations
• Mark and assist in abating unattended or abandoned vehicles
• Graffiti reporting
• Missing persons
• Radio procedures and codes
• Assist at DUI and Traffic Safety Checkpoints
• Participate in Special Events
• Child Fingerprinting
• EsPD Store Front

• Make a meaningful difference by helping others
• Use existing skills and experiences
• Learn new skills
• Widen personal range of experience
• Make new friends
• Help make your community a better place to live