The Oceanside Police Department started the  Senior Volunteer Patrol Program (SVPP) in 1995. The program has grown steadily and has a team of 37 multi-talented members and growing.  The only requirement is for the volunteer to be 50 years of age or older.  The SVPP is designed for senior citizens who wish to serve the community of Oceanside while working with the Oceanside Police Department (OPD) to promote public safety and service programs.

SVPP members provide many services to the community, such as ticketing illegally parked vehicles in handicapped designated parking stalls, assisting with traffic control, performing vacation home checks and conducting "You Are Not Alone" (YANA) visits to the homebound. In an effort to increase traffic safety, SVPP members also assist the Traffic Services Unit with DUI Safety Checkpoints.

After serving six months on patrol, SVPP members have the option to perform additional administrative duties. For safety purposes, volunteer patrol duties do not place volunteers in confrontational situations. Patrol duties enable the volunteers to serve as the eyes and ears of the Department. They are equipped with radios and are always able to communicate with police officers.

As the program grew in size, a rank structure was developed and implemented. This allows the senior volunteers to advance within the program.

To reach the Senior Volunteer Patrol Program Office, please call (760) 435-4763.

Resources

• Become a Senior Volunteer Patrol: To become a senior volunteer patrol program volunteer, please fill in an application and email it to svp@oceansideca.org: Volunteer Patrol Program Application

• Vacation Home Checks: To request a home check while you go on vacation, please fill out a request form and email it to svp@oceansideca.org: Home Check Request Form

• "You Are Not Alone" Program Enrollments: To request to enroll in the "You Are Not Alone" program, please fill out the request form and email it to svp@oceansideca.org: You Are Not Alone Program