Contact: Sgt. Joy Matthews - 616.632.6106
Email: joy.matthews@kentcountymi.gov
Supervisor Approval: Sandi Jones

Looking to volunteer? The Kent County Sheriff’s Office is looking for dedicated men and women to help fill an important role within our community.

Volunteers bring a wealth of skills acquired through education and experience. By matching volunteer skills with Department needs, we can utilize a resource that will improve our effectiveness and efficiency. In return, we will create and maintain an environment where each volunteer is provided the opportunity to develop his or her maximum potential.

There are many different types of volunteer programs and volunteer opportunities, including:

Volunteer Public Relations - Volunteers in this capacity are responsible for answering the inmate information phone line. Duties include providing phone assistance to citizens that call for information.

Patrol Volunteer Program – This is a volunteer position to assist sworn police personnel at the Kent County Sheriff’s Office. Participants are unarmed civilian volunteers with no arrest powers. Volunteers in this capacity are responsible for issuing tickets to illegally parked vehicles in handicap and fire lane designated parking spaces along with additional duties as requested, such as homebound visits and vacation house checks.

Victim Advocate Program – Victim Advocates are a group of civilian volunteers who provide support and assistance to families who have just experienced the sudden traumatic injury or death of a family member.

Courtesy Trail Patrol – 18 years and older (seasonal) volunteers patrol the White Pine Trail, East Trails, and Kent Trails. Duties include aiding citizens on the bike path who have questions or need the services of the police.

Kent County Citizen Police Academy – The Kent County Sheriff’s Office Citizen Police Academy has been established to continue the positive movement in the relationship between the citizens of Kent County and their Sheriff’s Office. The goal is to develop and enhance citizen awareness and understanding of the police role in the community. Our next Academy will start on Wednesday September 9, 2020. Attendees will meet every Wednesday 6:30pm-9:30pm for 13 weeks. https://www.accesskent.com/Sheriff/citizenspoliceacademy.htm

If you would like to learn more about these wonderful volunteer opportunities, please contact Sandi Jones at sandi.jones@kentcountymi.gov or (616) 632-6221.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."