Benton Harbor Police Department

6/11/2008

Introduction to the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol

Vision

The Benton Harbor Police Department (BHPD) believes the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will enhance the delivery of municipal services and improve the overall quality of life of the community.

Mission

The RSVP program is:  An effort by retired or semi-retired senior citizens to enhance the security and comfort of residents of Benton Harbor by supplementing the activities of the BHPD by performing non-confrontational tasks.

Goals

RSVP is committed to recruit, orientate, train, and retain a talented force of volunteers who will:  Work in a spirit of cooperation and partnership with the community. Expand or enhance the delivery of services to the residents and businesses of the City of Benton Harbor.

Enable the BHPD sworn officers to more effectively and efficiently direct police services as a result of volunteer services provided to the Department.  Further the goals of the BHPD Community Policing philosophy with active citizen involvement, publicity, and direct service to neighborhoods and schools.

Continually evaluate the effectiveness of the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol in achieving and maintaining these goals and maintain at all times a high standard of excellence in personnel and service.

Qualifications for Membership

• A desire to provide volunteer service to the BHPD and to the community it serves.
• Possess of a valid Michigan Driver’s License
• Age fifty-five or older.
• Citizen of the United States.
• Successfully meet the Department’s qualifications and completion of a background investigation.
• Residency in the community in which they serve is not required.