What Is The STARS Program?

The STARS program is a volunteer program, in which active adult citizens give of their time, knowledge, and life experiences. The Sheriff's Department now accepts volunteers from any age group from 22 years and older.

STARS Objectives:

To organize senior citizens in a volunteer program to benefit the community.
Use volunteers to promote a better community safety.
Become "eyes and ears" for law enforcement.
Promote the STARS motto: "As volunteers we can make a difference by improving the community welfare and safety."


To Be In The STARS Program You Must:
- Be at least 22 years of age.
- Be able to commit up to 10 hours of volunteer time each month.
- Pass a limited background investigation.
- Have a desire to make this a better community in which to live.

The STARS volunteers, working hand in hand with the Sheriff's Department, will be able to provide a variety of new services and enhance current programs for the betterment of the community.

"Our STARS program is thriving. This group of dedicated adult citizens continually support our mission to keep the community safe. Their contributions to our Department and all the citizens of Stanislaus County are truly commendable."
~ Sheriff Adam Christianson

INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE APPLICANTS

For More Information Call 209-558-8930

THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Working in conjunction with the Stanislaus County Office of Volunteer Services, potential volunteers are provided with job descriptions for the STARS program. Those who show a further interest are given an application package which contains application, confidentially, and release and waiver forms.

The applicant then meets with the Sheriff's Department Crime Prevention Coordinator who explains the program in more detail and qualifies the applicant through a background investigation.

ACADEMY TRAINING

Volunteers will receive approximately 40 hours of STARS academy training, with emphasis on volunteers being the "eyes and ears" for the Sheriff's Department.

Through their training the STARS volunteers will become good will ambassadors, giving the community a better understanding of law enforcement.

Training will consist of (but not limited to):

Once the volunteers have completed the STARS academy, training does not stop. Each month there will be about two hours training on specialized subjects, and/or updates on previous classes.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STARS VOLUNTEERS

Sheriff's Department

STARS volunteers will assist the following units throughout the Sheriff's Department: Records Bureau, Courts, Aero Squadron,

and PSC Visitors Registration.  STARS volunteers serve D.A. subpoenas, jury summons and School Attendance Review Board (SARB) subpoenas.

Crime Fairs / County Fair

STARS volunteers will appear at the County Fair and Crime Fairs throughout the county handing out Crime Prevention Information, Identity Theft information, finger printing children, and at times general security (Visibility being a deterrent.)

Neighborhood Watch Program

STARS volunteers will assist with the Neighborhood Watch Program by helping neighbors. Volunteers will explain the need for knowing the neighborhoods routine, what to do if a suspicious person or vehicle is seen, how to organize and continue the Neighborhood Watch Program, and how other programs like "Operation I.D. Owner Applied Number" function.

S.T.O.P. Program (STARS Truancy Operation Program)

Home Security Checks

STARS volunteers will, when required, respond to citizens homes and make security checks. This would consist of checking doors, windows, and locks. Recommendations will be made by the volunteer as to how the home owner could improve the security of their home. (Specifications are recommended, not brand names.)

BENEFITS