Idaho Citizen Corps Program
The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security promotes volunteer programs that support emergency management and first responder organizations. Volunteers provide
valuable services to these organizations and help to make all our communities safer. Read more below to find out what options may be available for you.
Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Program educates people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as
fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Using their training, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace
following an event and can take a more active role in preparing their community.
CERT programs in Idaho
Fire Corps
The Fire Corps promotes the use of citizen advocates to enhance the capacity of resource-constrained
fire and rescue departments at all levels: volunteer, combination, and career. Citizen advocates can assist local fire departments in a range of activities
including fire safety outreach, youth programs, and administrative support. Fire Corps provides resources to assist fire and rescue departments in creating
opportunities for citizen advocates and promotes citizen participation. Fire Corps is funded through DHS and is managed and implemented through a partnership
between the National Volunteer Fire Council, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.
Fire Corps programs in Idaho
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
Through the Medical Reserve Corps, currently practicing and retired volunteers trained in medicine and others interested in public health issues will be able
to assist during large-scale emergencies and will augment the medical response community. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers can also play a productive role in
meeting pressing but non-emergency public health needs of communities throughout the year.
MRC programs in Idaho
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and best-known crime prevention concepts in North America. In the late 1960s, an increase in crime heightened the need
for a crime prevention initiative focused on residential areas and involving local citizens. The National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) responded, creating the
National Neighborhood Watch Program in 1972 to assist citizens and law enforcement. In 2002, the NSA in partnership with USA Freedom Corps, Citizen Corps and
the U.S. Department of Justice launched USAonWatch, the face of the revitalized Neighborhood Watch initiative, which represents the expanded role of watch
programs throughout the United States
USA on Watch in Idaho
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS)
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) works to enhance the capacity of state and local law
enforcement to utilize volunteers. VIPS serves as a gateway to resources and information for and about law enforcement volunteer programs. Funded by DOJ,
VIPS is managed and implemented by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
VIPS programs in Idaho