There are two ways to volunteer for the San Diego County Probation Department: 

Volunteer In Probation, VIP

VIPs are volunteers from various backgrounds who recognize the value of public service for their community. They serve as:

• Case aides
• Staff assistants
• Instructors and tutors
• Administrative assistants
• Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and religious volunteers

Criteria: Volunteers must meet minimum requirements including, but not limited to:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• No active probation or parole status of any kind
• No felony convictions or history of violent crime
• Possess a valid driver's license and auto insurance or California I.D.
• No outstanding motor vehicle warrants
• Commit to a minimum of 20 hours monthly for six months, during Monday - Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM

Note: All volunteer assignments match the needs of the Department with the strength of the volunteer.

Reserve Deputy Probation Officer (RDPO)

RDPOs are volunteer partners in community protection by devoting skills and expertise to our reserve officer program.  RDPOs are skilled adults, professionals, retirees, and military and are trained extensively to assist Probation Officers in:

• Routine field visits
• Case investigation
• Tutoring
• Mentoring / counseling
• Drug testing
• Truancy investigation
• Family reunification
• Home visitation
• Program implementation
• Administrative support
  

Criteria: Volunteers must meet minimum requirements including, but not limited to:

• Minimum 21 years of age
• U.S. Citizen
• Valid CA driver's license
• No felony convictions
• Commit to an extensive background investigation
• Successfully complete a medical and psychological examination
• Complete 40 hours of RDPO orientation training
• Commit to a minimum of 8 hours weekly for one year, during Monday - Friday,  8 AM to 5 PM
• Possess skills and expertise to assist the department in fulfilling its mission