Volunteer & Student Intern

An individual who provides services voluntarily for the Omaha Police Department without any compensation beyond approved expenses.

A volunteer participating in organized community service programs or internships, with a special agreement between the organization and OPD.

A current student at a local university or college who voluntarily works for OPD without compensation as part of their education.

The individual responsible for managing and coordinating volunteer programs at the Omaha Police Department.

The COV conducts a preliminary evaluation of a volunteer's qualifications with the appropriate OPD supervisor.

All volunteers and student interns must undergo a criminal history record check prior to and during their assignment with OPD.

The COV maintains records of volunteer activity, including dates of service and positions held.

The OPD strives to involve members of the community in its operations through the use of volunteers.

A detailed description outlining the responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications for a volunteer position at the Omaha Police Department.

Supervisors review and update these descriptions at least once every two years, ensuring they remain relevant and up-to-date.

Before any assignment, a detailed description is created for each volunteer role, providing clarity and consistency.

Every volunteer and student intern undergoes a thorough background check before starting and during their assignment.

Volunteer positions are filled through a formal process that includes necessary paperwork, background checks, and approval.

Volunteers and Student Interns are not considered sworn law enforcement officers and should not represent themselves as such.

This document outlines the purpose, duties, supervision, timeframe, qualifications, and benefits of a specific volunteer position.

A 30-day period where a Volunteer or Student Intern is evaluated for their suitability and performance.

A formal evaluation conducted after the 30-day trial period to assess the Volunteer or Student Intern's performance and suitability for the position.

A volunteer who may supervise other volunteers, but must be under the direct supervision of a full-time OPD employee.

A volunteer may have to undergo specific training for their position, even if they have already worked with the OPD in another position.

Training that is ongoing and may include legal updates and refresher courses to ensure volunteers stay up to date with changes and requirements.

A volunteer's duties should be clearly defined and outlined to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.

OPD employees are responsible for safeguarding volunteers and student interns by keeping them away from potentially dangerous situations.

The Omaha Police Department (OPD) uses volunteers to help enforce the Hazardous Conditions and Public Property (HCPP) program.

The Coordinator of Volunteers (COV) manages the HCPP volunteers by tracking their activities, scheduling meetings, and ensuring proper citation procedures are followed.

The COV reviews inactive volunteers, looking at their citation counts, working hours, and compliance with procedures. Volunteers inactive for 90 days or more are removed from the program.

HCPP volunteers are responsible for issuing citations for violations related to hazardous conditions and public property.

The COV ensures that HCPP volunteers receive appropriate training and are proficient in handling citations and logs.

Volunteers and Student Interns must submit a monthly time sheet by the 10th of each month to their supervisor.

Volunteers and Student Interns are expected to dress in business or business casual attire, depending on their assignment.

Performance standards for volunteers are established by the Coordinator of Volunteers, the supervisor and the volunteer themselves.

Both Student Interns and Volunteers are evaluated periodically by their supervisor.

Corrective action may be taken if performance is unsatisfactory, including additional training, reassignment, suspension or dismissal.

To participate in the Student Intern Program, students must be enrolled in a criminal justice program and meet specific academic requirements.

OPD Student Interns undergo a criminal history check, performance evaluations and are subject to the same policies as volunteers.

Student Interns are required to be evaluated each semester.

HCPP Volunteers are community members with limited authority to enforce parking rules. They are not sworn law enforcement officers, so they cannot represent themselves as such.

HCPP Volunteers are required to undergo a criminal history background check annually to continue participating in the program.

The Neighborhood Services Unit (NSU) and Coordinator of Volunteers (COV) assign official OPD citations to HCPP Volunteers after successful training.

HCPP Volunteers are required to carry OPD identification, citation booklets, and a daily time sheet while on duty.

The Coordinator of Volunteers (COV) is responsible for selecting and recruiting HCPP Volunteers.

Individuals interested in becoming HCPP Volunteers must be at least 21 years old, pass a background check, have access to transportation, and be willing to serve without pay.

HCPP Volunteers are not sworn law enforcement officers, so they cannot arrest individuals.