The Volunteer Program was started in June 2002, with only eight volunteers. Union City Police Department currently has forty-seven volunteers.

The Volunteer Program serves a number of important functions. Volunteers supplement the services the Department currently provides, and allows the Department to offer new services which strengthen the relationship between the Police Department and members of the community.

New volunteers are interviewed and assessed to determine their skill level and how they can contribute to the Department. Once volunteers pass a thorough background investigation, they are assigned to a unit that can best utilize their skills.

Volunteers currently serve in a number of important capacities within the department. Some provide crisis counseling and emotional support in response to traumatic events. Others provide monthly visits to homebound seniors (CARE Program) and many are trained to provide emergency radio communication (ARES). Volunteers also provide vehicle maintenance, support the Investigations Section with follow-up reports, assist the Traffic Section with collision diagrams, help the Records Section with miscellaneous clerical duties, and have also provided the expertise needed to create and maintain this website.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the Police Department contact Patricia Abadesco at (510) 471-1365 ext 617.