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Crisis Support Team Volunteer Program
The Gilbert Police Department is accepting volunteer applications for the Crisis Support Team (CST) volunteer program. Volunteers are trained to respond to crisis calls with the Gilbert Police and Fire Departments. The calls range from traffic fatalities to suicides, domestic violence, drugs/alcohol abuse, and more. CST volunteers provide resources and support to the victims involved in the crisis.
An addition to the program is the Community Crisis Unit (the "CCU"). The CCU is utilized to respond to crisis calls when officers request the presence of a counselor or volunteer. The officers will direct the volunteer to the scene (once secured), the lobby of the police station, or another location. A call-out lasts minutes to hours depending on the nature of the call.
The qualifications for the Crisis Support Team are:
- At least 21 years of age
- Have an interest in helping others and good listening skills
- Have the ability to lift and hold small children and be able to climb stairs
- Experience or education in psychology or the social sciences is desirable, but not required
- Bi-lingual volunteers are highly desirable
- Volunteers MUST complete a background investigation and a polygraph exam.
- Volunteers MUST be able to commit to 14 hours of service each month:
- *Two 6-hour shifts per month (12 Midnight -6AM, 6AM-12 Noon, 12 Noon-6PM or 6PM-12 Midnight)
- *Attend the monthly meeting the last Tuesday or Wednesday of the month (7PM - 9PM)
Once accepted into the program, volunteers must successfully complete a 16 hour training program. The monthly meeting provides ongoing education and updates on community crisis calls.
Volunteers must show proof of insurance, have a valid driver's license and be able to respond to calls in less than 30 minutes.
If you are interested in an application to become a Crisis Support Team volunteer please call (480) 635-7711 or e-mail.