• I don’t live in the city or county of Denver. Can I still volunteer?
    Yes you can. We have volunteers who live throughout the Denver metro area.
  • Do I need HAM radio experience to participate in DAREC?
    You need a HAM radio license, but no "experience" is required.
    If you do not have a HAM radio license, contact us to find out about the next training class.
  • What is the minimum participation requirement?
    You must attend the orientation and training for the VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) program. This is a one-time hour and a-half training session. Thereafter, we encourage everyone to attend the DAREC training once per month—on the third Saturday of each month—from 9:00 a.m. until about 12:00 p.m. Currently there are no minimum participation requirements.
  • How did DAREC and the Volunteer Program get started?
    Deputy Police Chief Vasquez approved the formation of DAREC as part of the Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) in November 2005.

    The Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) Program began when President George W. Bush created USA Freedom Corps (USAFC) to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed September 11. When he announced USAFC in his 2002 State of the Union address, he called on all Americans to serve a cause greater than themselves.

    The Citizen Corps programs are part of the USA Freedom Corps initiative and share the common goal of helping communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to crime, natural disasters, and other emergencies. One of the Citizen Corps programs is Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS). The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is managing and implementing the VIPS Program in partnership with and on behalf of the White House Office of the USA Freedom Corps and the U.S. Department of Justice. The program’s ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers.

    The VIPS Program provides support and resources for agencies interested in developing or enhancing a volunteer program and for citizens who wish to volunteer their time and skills with a community law enforcement agency. The program’s ultimate goal is to enhance the capacity of state and local law enforcement to utilize volunteers.