KNOXVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT (KPD)

KPD Home Chief's Office Criminal Investigations Management Division Patrol Division Cadet Program Crisis Negotiators Field Operations Inspections Unit Police Explorers Public Safety Collaborative Reserve Police Special Operations Squad (SWAT) Teleserve Unit Volunteer Courtesy Officer Support Services Misc Links VOLUNTEER COURTESY OFFICER Administrator of Volunteer Services Officer Michele Goldsberry 865-215-8620 mgoldsberry@cityofknoxville.org Volunteer Courtesy Officers (VCO’s) are civic-minded citizens who are willing to volunteer their time to improve the quality of life in our community. They serve as Goodwill Ambassadors for the Knoxville Police Department, and the City Knoxville. They support patrol functions, and help at special events. VCO’s receive a minimum of 40 hours training in first aid, CPR, defensive driving, and police procedures. VCO’s work in pairs, and are issued police radios to notify Officers of problems in the vicinity of Downtown special events. Some problems VCO’s help with are calling ambulances for acutely ill visitors, reuniting lost children with parents, and reporting panhandlers, parking problems, and inebriated people. They also give directions and parking information to visitors, as well as assist Officers with traffic control. Volunteer Courtesy Officers worked 1,246 hours in 2008. These are few of the events worked: Boo at the Zoo Market Square First Friday’s Dogwood City People Tour of Homes, Mardi Growl, Dogwood, Kuumba, Veterans, and Christmas parades Home UT football games Sundown on Market Square Market Square Farmer’s Market July 4th Boomsday Big Orange Bash and Cruisin’ for a Cause VCO’s are also very visible on Market Square at Farmer’s Market on Saturday, and each First Friday downtown. Say hello to the Knoxville Police Department’s VCO’s next time you're downtown. They'll be wearing yellow polo shirts with the Courtesy Officer insignia.