The El Paso Police Department (EPPD) has announced the recent graduation of eight community members from its Volunteer in Patrol Service (VIPS) program. This marks the third group of citizens to complete the training, which teaches volunteers to serve as neighborhood watchdogs, without the authority to enforce laws. Instead, their role is to provide presence, observe, and report suspicious activities, contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the El Paso community.
The program, initiated in 2019, has been steadily growing. According to the El Paso Police Department, the first class graduated 12 members in 2021. The second class, followed by 10 graduates in 2023, and now the third with eight in 2025. The post celebrated this achievement, stating, "VIPS are trained volunteers who patrol neighborhoods—not to enforce laws, but to be visible, report suspicious activity, and support a safer El Paso. No sirens, just service. "
The VIPS initiative represents a localized effort to foster collaboration between the police and the community they serve. The volunteers, who undergo training to prepare for their roles, act as additional eyes and ears for the EPPD, and their presence is intended to deter potential criminal activities through heightened awareness and reporting. While on patrol, these volunteers are equipped with tools to ensure their own safety as well as the effectiveness of their service.
