Volunteer
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Volunteer Unit is comprised of nearly 400 citizens serving Citrus County. Our members come from all walks of life and bring with them many years of life experience. This experience, combined with dedication and a willingness to help fellow citizens, is an excellent example of people “helping one another.”
Volunteer Application Volunteer Brochure
Volunteer Positions
Volunteer position availabilities are subject to current openings.
Animal Control
Animal Control volunteers work under the Animal Control Unit Supervisor. Volunteers respond to animal-related calls that do not pose a risk to their safety, such as picking up cats in traps, patrolling for loose animals, responding to barking complaints and shuttling animals between local veterinarians and the county shelter. Volunteers must love working with animals, be able to commit to at least one 8-hour shift per week and be able to physically lift and carry 25-30 pounds short distances, and load animals into and out of van. Must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Please note: Openings for Animal Control Volunteers are very limited.
ARES
The Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) consists of Amateur Radio licensees who have voluntarily registered their qualifications and equipment for communications duty in the public service when disaster strikes. Every licensed amateur, regardless of membership in the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) or any other local or national organization, is eligible to apply for membership in ARES.
Because ARES is an Amateur Radio program, only licensed radio amateurs are eligible for membership. The possession of emergency-powered equipment is desirable but is not a requirement for membership.
Aviation: Tactical Flight Observer
The position will require the candidate to participate as a law enforcement helicopter crew member. Shift hours will normally run from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. The position will also include periods of being on call. Primary responsibilities include operating law enforcement helicopter tactic systems (which include an infrared camera, tactical map system, searchlight, and video downlink), and assisting the aircraft pilot-in-command as needed. Please note: Openings for this unit are very limited.
Bailiff
Volunteer Bailiffs assist deputies in the courtroom at the Citrus County Courthouse, helping with paperwork, assisting at the security entrance with the scanning of items, observing for any suspicious or criminal activity and other duties as assigned. Volunteer Bailiffs are provided a uniform shirt but must provide their own professional-looking black pants and appropriate shoes and socks. Must enjoy working with people and with members of the public. Must be able to commit to one shift per week.
CERT (Community Emergency Response Team)
The Community Emergency Response Team or CERT is organized under the direction of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Section, to support and direct county-wise training and education in disaster planning and preparedness. CERT volunteers will receive special training which enhances their ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from an all-Hazards disaster situation. CERT Volunteers are trained by first responders and Emergency Management personnel in areas that will help them take care of themselves, their families and their neighbors before, during, and after a disaster.
Child ID
Child ID volunteers travel throughout the county, attending different community events where they photograph, fingerprint and capture DNA (via specific saliva swab) of children. Information obtained is then handed to the parent/guardian for their records. Work schedule and timing vary, dependent upon the number of events. Must be comfortable working with children, their parents and other members of the public. Must have good communication and organization skills.
Cold Case
Cold Case Volunteers assist CCSO detectives on cases that have gone “cold.” They must be familiar with computers, basic software, and windows software. Should have the ability to conduct research using online databases and software. Volunteers must maintain confidentiality regarding high-profile cases and be comfortable working in a group-type setting with other volunteers, citizens, and sworn personnel. Please note: Openings in this unit are very limited.
Communications Officer
Volunteer Communication Officers monitor community patrol members via radio. Dispatchers work out of the Emergency Operations Center in Lecanto, monitoring Crime Watch patrols and relaying information to them as needed. Must be able to remain calm and be comfortable working in a busy environment, talking with Crime Watch patrols and relaying information. Must commit to a three-week training period and pass the CJIS test with a score of 80% or higher. CJIS certificate must be renewed every two years.
Community Patrol or Crime Watch
Volunteers patrol residential and commercial areas looking for criminal or suspicious activity and report said activity to the Communications Center via two-way radio or 9-1-1. Members report abandoned vehicles, conduct house and infrastructure (electric, water, sewer, telephone, cell tower, etc.) checks, report missing or damaged street or traffic control signs and complete other assignments as directed by approved Sheriff’s employees. Crime Watch Members are the “eyes and ears” only of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. They do not have any law enforcement authority. Must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Must be able to commit to a regular patrol shift (as dictated by assigned Crime Watch unit).
Finance
Volunteers will perform office-related clerical tasks, to include scanning and filing. Must commit to working 2 to 4 hours per week. Volunteers will utilize a specific computer with attached scanner. The majority of this job requires sitting at a desk working on a computer, while loading papers into the scanner. Must have a basic working knowledge of computers. Must be able to read and understand English. Must be able to accurately type numbers. Must be able to read words and numbers on a page and type it into the computer. Must be able to accurately alphabetize copies of paid invoices.
Fingerprinting Unit
Working out of the Emergency Operations Center, located in Lecanto, members of the fingerprinting unit process fingerprints to conduct background checks required for law enforcement agencies, employment, volunteering, adoptions or other purposes. Members must be able to work at least one shift per week. Must be friendly and courteous and enjoy working with members of the public; detail-oriented; able to follow complicated directions and steps; handle money/simple accounting. Experience and comfortability working with computers a must.
Intelligence Analysis
Working with the Intelligence Analysis unit at the Emergency Operations Center, Intelligence Analysis Volunteers perform clerical duties such as scanning and filing all sex offender registrations and miscellaneous paperwork; creating new sex offender files and labels; entering or updating data in FDLE sex offender database; entering or updating data in Smartforce sex offender database; entering or updating data in AEGIS jackets for sex offenders; making copies of paperwork and preparing packets for Crime Stoppers meetings; miscellaneous filing, copying, scanning and shredding. On occasion, volunteers may assist Major Crimes and/or TIU in miscellaneous office tasks, such as shredding. Must have strong work knowledge of computers and database systems. Must be able to read and understand English. The position requires discretion as well as attention to detail and strong clerical and office skills.
Investigations
Investigations Volunteers assist CCSO detectives on cases. They must be familiar with computers, basic software and windows software. Should have the ability to conduct research using online databases and software. Volunteers must maintain confidentiality regarding high-profile cases and be comfortable working in a group-type setting with other volunteers, citizens and sworn personnel. Please note: Openings in this unit are very limited.
Mail Couriers
Using an agency vehicle, Mail Couriers drop off and pick up interoffice mail at various Citrus County Sheriff's Office locations. May also pick up materials or supplies from vendors and deliver them to CCSO locations. Typically, Mail Couriers work one morning shift each week (from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.). Must have a clean driving record and valid license. Must be able to commit to at least one shift per week. Must be able to interact with agency personnel and vendors in a polite and professional manner. Must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license, and clean driving record.
Mounted Posse
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse is a volunteer equestrian group supervised by agency personnel. These riders assist law enforcement officers (non-enforcement situations) when the use of horses is advantageous. Usage may include low risk search and rescue operations, traffic control, patrol of designated areas on horseback (Community Patrols), parking details, and special details.
The Mounted Posse volunteer must have the ability to ride a horse (skilled rider), must be able to ride western style, be able to ride/stand/sit for long periods of time, and have the ability to communicate/speak publicly. Must provide own horse, tack and transportation.
Posse Support Member
The Mounted Posse Support volunteer must have equestrian knowledge and the ability to handle horses. Must be able to stand/sit for long periods of time, and have the ability to communicate/speak publicly.
Photography Unit
Volunteer Photographers assist the agency by attending various events throughout the county and taking photographs. The schedule varies but can include evenings and weekends. Photos are used for agency publications such as social media sites, agency website, printed publications, as well as other outlets, as needed. Volunteer Photographers must have own camera equipment and be able to take good, clear digital photographs. A professional background in photography is helpful, but not required. Applicants will be asked to submit samples of their work during the application and screening process.
Public Service Officer (PSO)
The Public Service Officer (PSO) program was designed for approved volunteers that are able to commit to one eight-hour day shift per week to supplement the Sheriff’s Office patrol units by handling specific calls for service not requiring a sworn officer. PSOs handle calls such as vehicle accident reports that involve no injury or only minor injuries; assist at crash scenes for traffic control; conduct well-being checks requested by family members, friends or medical personnel; and other miscellaneous duties. Must be at least 18 years old, have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Applicants must complete an 80-hour class, which normally meets for 12 days, Monday through Friday, which covers a wide range of topics. Each applicant will be required to participate in a qualification day where he/she will spend time at the driving range to determine his/her abilities to operate a motor vehicle. There is also one interview with the PSO Command Staff. These are mandatory requirements.
Rails to Trails Patrol
Rails to Trails Patrol Volunteers patrol the Withlacoochee State Trail, from the Hernando/Citrus County line to the trailhead in Citrus Springs. Using an agency vehicle, drivers assist citizens that may be bicycling or walking on the trail. Must be able to deal with citizens in a polite and courteous manner. Familiarity with the trail a plus. Must be reliable and able to commit to a regular patrol shift.
Seniors Vs. Crime
Staffed by Volunteers, Seniors vs. Crime is a joint project of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Attorney General’s Office. It is designed to assist people in the community who have been scammed or taken advantage of. They can also review proposals, documents and other “offers” to verify their validity before you proceed. Must be able to deal with citizens in a polite and courteous manner. Familiarity with computer systems, or previous law experience a plus. Must commit to at least one shift per week.
Sewing Unit
Volunteer will sew hems, apply name bands and patches as needed. Occasionally other sewing skills are required for a specific item. There are no minimum or maximum hours set by this unit as sewing is done as inventory is needed. Must have general sewing knowledge, e.g. threading machine, filling bobbin, changing stitches and adjusting tension. Must be able to sew a straight line. Must be able to use pinking shears on heavy fabric. Must be able to work alone after initial orientation. Must be able to communicate wants and needs as necessary.
Victim Advocates
Volunteers in the Victim Advocates Unit assist the agency’s Victim Advocates by completing clerical duties, making phone calls and other duties as assigned. Volunteers must demonstrate positive working relationship with colleagues and other units within the agency. Provide crisis intervention. Review incident/offense reports. Provide short-term support. Perform liaison activities with other agencies. Provide referral services. Provide criminal justice system support services. Victim Advocate Volunteers are required to give at least four hours per week. Volunteers should have good computer skills. Please note: Openings in this unit are very limited.