Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 16, 1995 TAG: 9503160057
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BREEA WILLINGHAM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
State Police Superintendent Wayne Huggins introduced the program in the Richmond area in January as a way to recruit volunteers to help fight crime.
After realizing that volunteers were needed in other localities, state police expanded the program.
Huggins said the State Police are seeking volunteers for any of its offices statewide.
No minimum number of hours is required. Volunteers may give as many as five hours a week or as few as five a month.
Applicants with clerical skills are needed the most, but applicants with other skills, such as data processing and health services, also are encouraged to apply, Huggins said.
"We don't want to discourage anyone from applying. There may be an area we need help in that we never even thought of," Huggins said.
However, Huggins said that, because of the sensitive nature of law enforcement and the confidentiality of much of the work, felons are not eligible.
As of March 1, more than 100 applications were sent out and 70 people replied. Thirty-three applicants are in the process of being investigated, and three volunteers have been placed - one in Charlottesville and two in Richmond. No volunteers have been placed yet at the Salem headquarters.
Huggins administered a similar volunteer program while he was sheriff in Fairfax County from 1980 to 1990.
To receive an application packet, potential volunteers may call the department's personnel office in Richmond at (804)674-2229 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
by CNB