By DFC Barbara Miller,

Sector V, Convention Center/Special Projects

 

Orlando has long been perceived as the place where dreams come true! But kids aren’t the only ones with dreams! If asked, “What did you want to be when you were a child?” the overwhelming response is a police officer. Well the Orange County Sheriff’s Office is implementing an innovative program where you can actually fulfill that dream – sort of!

 

The T.I.P.S. Program (Tourist Information Patrol Specialist) is the brainchild of Sector 5 Patrol Captain Patricia Wells. Her vision was to establish a unit where uniform volunteers would drive specially marked police cars and offer assistance to tourists visiting the International Drive area. The assistance offered would range from providing area driving directions to directing traffic, assisting with a disabled vehicle, offering crime prevention tips and reducing potential criminal activity through high visibility patrol in hotel and business parking lots.

 

We’re looking for friendly, caring and helpful individuals who are willing to commit a minimum of 10 hours each month (service time can be completed in 2 or more hour increments) to insure the success of this program. If you are looking for a rewarding and meaningful volunteer opportunity, if you want to be a positive role model for your community, and if you want to make a real difference in the lives of tourist’s visiting Orange County, then the TIPS Program is for you. Show that you care…. partner with the Orange County Sheriff's Office Tourist Policing/Sector V Office.

 

The selection process may take several weeks. All applicants must successfully pass each of the following phases in order to qualify for the program:

 

Phase One:

 · Applicants must complete the pre-application form

 

Phase Two:

 · Applicants are interviewed and given full application booklet

 · Fingerprints are taken

 · Background Investigation is conducted

 · Voice stress Analysis is administered

 · Medical Examination and Drug Testing is done

 · Volunteer I.D. is issued and Training is scheduled

 

Our target date is June 1st. If you are interested in learning more, please go to our website. Click on careers and look for the pre-application form. This is required and must be approved before moving to the 2nd phase of the process. We will provide all the necessary training you will need to participate in this exciting project. So, come along and join one of the greatest law enforcement agencies in the country! For additional information please contact Tracie Esgro Administrative Assistant to Captain Patty Wells, Sector V Patrol, at 407-354-0889.

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