Government : Vinton Police Department now Hiring Reserve Officers

There is a quote often attributed to Edmund Burke; "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." While the true source of that quote is disputed, the idea behind the quote is not.

What do you do for your community? Volunteering at your child's school? Serving as a volunteer firefighter or EMT? Perhaps as a coach or scout leader for your kids? Those are all very worthy activities in need of your time and support. This world also needs good men and women to serve in law enforcement more than ever before.

Since 2014, the full-time officers of the Vinton Police Department have been supplemented by a team of dedicated volunteers who make up the Vinton Police Department's Reserve Unit. The Vinton Police Department is currently taking applications for the position of RESERVE OFFICER.

VPD reserve officers will be trained exceeding state standards over the course of several months beginning this November. After they complete their training, reserve officers donate a minimum of 8 hours per month often on uniformed patrol or working special events. They perform many of the same functions as regular full-time officers. They respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for service, enforce laws, operate department vehicles including patrol cars and bicycles, write reports, make arrests, perform public relations activities, assist with missing person searches, assist with various public events, respond to disasters, and provide a trained and ready source of additional manpower anytime the department needs assistance.

Per the Iowa Code, reserve officers are paid a minimum of $1.00 per year. Clearly they don't do it for the money. They do it because they are dedicated to doing their part to help protect and serve their community and they are an indispensable part of the Vinton Police Department.

If you think you have what it takes to be a part of something bigger than yourself and want to join them, complete the application packet at this link; https://cityofvinton.org/…/…/Employee_Application_9-8-16.pdf, and return it to the Vinton Police Department by 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2020.

There will be an informational meeting at the Vinton City Hall council chambers on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. for anyone interested in learning more.