Get Involved
Citizens Auxiliary Patrol welcomes people who want to contribute to safer, more resilient communities. Every role at CAP is volunteer-based, and members serve as Neighborhood Preparedness Volunteers and in community outreach roles through local chapters that reflect the neighborhoods they serve.
Roles
Neighborhood Preparedness Volunteer
Supports community safety and public-awareness activities, shares preparedness information with residents, helps people find the right official resources, and observes and reports concerns to the proper authorities; does not intervene or enforce.
Community Outreach & Education
Helps plan and staff preparedness talks, resource tables and neighborhood events.
Logistics & Supplies Support
Helps organize training materials, outreach kits and event logistics.
Backgrounds We Value
Our volunteers come from every walk of life: teachers, retirees, parents, students, nurses, tradespeople. If you care about your neighbors, you're qualified to start. People from all backgrounds who share our commitment to community service are welcome to ask about involvement. CAP operates as one central community organization with local chapters, and each chapter reflects the character and needs of its neighborhood.
Training & Development
- Orientation on our operating standards, the limits of a volunteer's role, and how to report emergencies and concerns. New volunteers complete an orientation covering CAP's role boundaries, safety and basic preparedness.
- Encouragement to take recognized public courses such as first aid and CPR (American Red Cross), Stop the Bleed, and CERT basic training where available. See our Training and Research pages.
- Ongoing learning in situational awareness, de-escalation basics, communication and preparedness.
Requirements
Requirements such as minimum age and any screening are explained during orientation.
Compensation
All Citizens Auxiliary Patrol roles are volunteer-based. Approved, pre-authorized expenses submitted with receipts may be reimbursed, and if organizational funding allows future paid opportunities, they will be clearly posted.
Important
Joining Citizens Auxiliary Patrol does not make anyone a law enforcement officer or give them police powers. To serve with a police or sheriff's department, apply directly to that agency's official volunteer or reserve program.