The Volunteers in Police Support (VIPS) program was created in 1985 with three volunteers at the Crime Prevention Unit. This small core of conscientious and enthusiastic volunteers grew in both numbers and and in responsibilities; and in 1987, the volunteer service was recognized by the Governor as a full fledged state-wide volunteer organization. Today it numbers over 100 volunteers in over 90% of the Maryland State Police barracks and installations.

At the close of 2003 there were one hundred and six (106) active Volunteers in the VIPS Program. Total Volunteer Hours worked in 2003 were twenty-seven thousand two hundred and forty two (27,242). The base salary of a starting Trooper is used as a standard in determining the cost savings to the MSP, provided by the VIPS Program. In 2003 the VIPS saved the MSP over $475,917.00. Volunteers perform numerous duties at various MSP locations. These duties include but are not limited to:

1. Non-Criminal Fingerprinting
2. Adult Explorer advisors
3. Processing traffic citations and keeping statistics
4. Data entry including

a. Pawn records
b. DWI./DUI records
c. Seat Belt enforcement statistics
d. Speed enforcement statistics
e. Data from traffic stop documentation (Form 216)
f. Other data entry as needs arise

5. Crime prevention
6. Photography
7. Filing and various clerical tasks
8. Assisting the Training Division by participating in scenarios with the Trooper candidate classes.
9. Conducting tours of the Crime Lab, Barracks, MSP Museum and other installations.

The following is a list of MSP locations where volunteers were working in 2003: All Barracks except JFK and Centerville, VIPS office staff, Crime Lab, Special Operations Division,Human Resources Division,Central Records Division, Museum, Training Division and MTA store. In the year 2003, while assisting in the training of the 120th academy class, several volunteers were arrested, searched for CDS and chased by Trooper Candidates.

Volunteers also fingerprinted children at various times and locations throughout the year. Barrack open houses, the Governors's volunteer tent at the State Fair, were included in this function. At the 2003 State Fair volunteers fingerprinted over 600 children including Drew Ehrlich, the son of Governor Robert Ehrlich.

The VIPS office has been given the responsibility of overseeing the student intern program for the MSP. All intern records are kept by the VIPS office.

We are always looking for motivated volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for the Maryland State Police, please contact us. The VIPS office is located in room 17 of building F (Executive Building). Our phone number is 410-653-4278 and is equipped with voice mail which is checked regularly. The VIPS office can also be reached by fax at 410-653-4559 or e-mail at .