Engage with Everett by Volunteering with the Police Department

Despite being at the highest staffing level in over a decade, with 81 sworn officers on patrol as of early July, the Everett Police Department continues to lean on community support through amazing volunteer programs like VIPS, chaplains, and the Community Police Academy Everett Post. These opportunities that many don't know about are ways to engage with your city and let the officers focus on their most important tasks.

Volunteering with the Everett Police Department

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)

Everett’s VIPS program offers civilians a chance to support the department through:

• Clerical support: special-project assistance, mass mailings, data entry

• Crime prevention efforts: coordinating Vacation Crime Watch, patrolling, community safety fairs, distributing flyers

• Neighborhood initiatives: monitoring school zone crossings, enforcing handicapped parking, aiding investigation units with community education Everett, WA

Currently, the program is full—but the city will update the site when spots open Everett, WA.

Chaplain Volunteers

Open to ordained faith leaders regardless of denomination, chaplains provide comfort in crises, clergy support to officers and families, and perform ceremonies—after completing a 40-hour Chaplain Training Academy Everett, WA.

Community Police Academy

This 10-week evening course invites residents (21+) to dive into how Everett Police operate—from patrol tactics to SWAT, investigations, youth services, and beyond. The next round is set for Fall 2025, with details forthcoming Everett, WA.

Why Volunteers Still Matter—even With Higher Staffing

Everett’s staffing now stands at 91% of sworn officer roles, a marked improvement over last year’s 87% Everett Post. In fact, 81 officers are actively assigned to patrol—the most in over ten years Everett Post.

However:

• Some vacancies remain (19 FTEs unfilled) Everett Post.

• Higher staffing levels don’t negate the value volunteers bring—assist with community engagement, crime prevention, and support functions.

• The City’s continued dependence on volunteer capacity suggests these roles are helping bridge gaps, especially in resource-stretched departments.

Could Staffing Gains Be Politically Motivated?

With the primary election recently concluded, these workforce shifts naturally raise questions:

• Could the uptick in staffing—and its timing—reflect a political push for optics or campaign messaging?

• Budgeting considerations: chronic understaffing may have helped the city stay within spending limits. With staffing now filling out, community expectations and budgets will shift.

It remains unclear whether recent staffing reflects long-term strategy or election-year positioning.

Police Chief John DeRousse gives an update on staffing at the city council meeting.

What Residents Can Do

• Stay engaged! Keep an eye on the VIPS page for openings.

• Interested in deeper involvement? Explore chaplain roles or apply for the Community Police Academy when available.

• Ask tough questions: How might these staffing changes affect budgets? What long-term planning is in place for recruitment and retention?

  
  

Even as Everett Police build their ranks, volunteer roles remain vital. Community members bring not just manpower, but trust, outreach, and creative momentum.