VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) is a national program that supports local police forces. The Gorham VIPS originated with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department. Chief Dan Jones initiated the program in Gorham on January 1, 2018.
The Gorham VIPS is a group of citizens devoted to the community and dedicated to outstanding community service. They assist the departments of support service, patrol, and detectives, as well as performing administrative tasks. They are utilized to enhance the overall efficiency of the police department, and their efforts help reduce crime and increase the services that the police department can provide to the community.
Photo courtesy of Gorham Police Dept.Gorham VIPS (l to r) Wayne Franklin, Jeff Douglas, Gene Taylor, Jeannette Murch, John Lavin, John Jackson and Don Sedenka.
Trained volunteers assist with traffic control at accidents; special events, such as races (Beach to Beacon) and parades (Memorial Day); traffic surveys; the Yellow Dot program; Child ID Fingerprints and DNA; and offer any other assistance where and when needed. Currently the VIPS have two vehicles that are used when volunteers are on duty. Duties include property checks when residents are on vacation, wellness checks, and citizen patrol throughout the town of Gorham. VIPS are an extra set of eyes and ears for the Police Department.
In 2018, the 18 Gorham VIPS personnel logged 2,438 hours of service to the town. Given the nationally recognized average rate of pay for law enforcement is $24.69, the program saved the Town of Gorham nearly $60,000.
The group is always looking to add qualified volunteers. To become a VIPS, the first requirement is completion of the Gorham Police Citizens Academy (the next academy is scheduled to begin on March 6 at the Gorham Police Department). In addition, members earn certification in traffic control, CPR/ First Aid/AED, citizen patrol, and radio communication. Volunteers are expected to devote at least six hours of service each month with two of those hours spent attending our monthly meeting and training session.
Photo courtesy of Gorham Police Dept.Buffy Houp is shown fingerprinting a child at a safety event this past summer.
The Gorham VIPS are a self-funded, non-profit organization and are currently fundraising for three AED (automated external defibrillator) units to have available in their patrol vehicles. The group will have a booth at Gorham Marketplace on March 30 at USM’s Costello Field House. Please stop by if you would like to participate in the Yellow Dot program or have your child fingerprinted. The VIPS will also be happy to provide you with any additional information or an application to join the team.
Additional information about the VIPS and their programs can be found at www.gorhamvips.weebly.com.