Las Cruces Police seeking volunteers for Victims Advocate Team

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) – The Las Cruces Police Department’s Victims Assistance Unit is now accepting applications for individuals interested in becoming a volunteer with the Victims Advocate Team (VAT).

VAT volunteers work with professional advocates, police officers and detectives by helping victims of crime, according to a news release sent by LCPD.

“Volunteering for the team is a unique opportunity for those interested in a career in law enforcement, victims’ advocacy or college students who want to gain experience in law enforcement, criminal justice or social work,” read the news release.

VAT volunteers must:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have a valid New Mexico driver’s license.
• Have a reliable vehicle along with proof of insurance and registration.
• Live within Las Cruces, N.M., or in close proximity of the city.
• Pass a criminal background check.

LCPD said VAT volunteers serve on-call hours primarily on the weekends. All volunteers will undergo a 40-hour training course provided LCPD’s Victims Assistance Unit.

Applications are available at the Las Cruces Police Department, 217 E. Picacho Ave. and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on July 31. Training for selected applicants begins Aug. 7.

For more information on the Victims Advocate Team, contact the Victims Assistant Unit at (575) 528-4111 or email Erika Valencia at evalencia@lascruces.gov.

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