The Las Cruces Police Department is on the lookout for community members who want to make a difference. It's not your typical volunteer gig; they're seeking individuals to join their Victim Advocate Team (VAT). According to the Las Cruces Police Department, VAT volunteers will work alongside officers and detectives to provide much-needed support to victims of crime, a role that could be both challenging and rewarding.
For those with an eye on careers in law enforcement or social work, this is a chance to get real-world experience while still serving the community. You need to be older than 18, hold a valid New Mexico driver's license, and have access to a vehicle with insurance and registration. If you don't live too far from Las Cruces and can pass a background check, you're in the right place, the city announced. The commitment isn't light, though; volunteers are on-call mainly over the weekends and must complete a mandatory 40-hour training course.
And there's a deadline to keep in mind. Applications are being accepted until 5 p.m. on Aug. 27, over at the Las Cruces Police Department on 217 E. Picacho Ave. Don't hesitate to reach out if this speaks to you; training for the accepted applicants is set to start on Sept. 3. It's an opportunity to not only learn but also to give back to individuals who've been through some tough times. They might just need someone to help them navigate the often complex and emotional aftermath of a crime.
