Community and Police in Partnership Volunteer Program
The Bellevue Police department offers a robust volunteer program that attracts dedicated community members wanting to serve and assist the department in providing a high level of service. The volunteers fill a wide variety of positions that allow officers to focus on primary policing duties.
Volunteer positions include: community substation attendant, bicycle recovery coordinator, police vehicle maintenance coordinator, crime victim assistance specialist, pawn shop associate and event ambassador. Assignments are based on openings, as well as interest, qualifications and availability to serve.
Police Advisory Councils
The police advisory councils reflect the diverse communities that call Bellevue home and are an essential element of our community-building efforts. The councils allow us to partner with community members to guide our decision and policymaking. Council members provide input and feedback on police initiatives and major incidents, helping to ensure we meet the needs of all the Bellevue communities we serve. There are seven advisory councils including African American, Muslim, Latino/Latina, LGBTQI+, Interfaith, Asian/Pacific Islander, and South Asian residents.
The goal of the advisory councils is to strengthen the relationship between the department and the community through trust, respect, and mutual understanding. We do this by establishing an environment that promotes dialogue, education, and a true partnership. The councils collaborate with the department on projects, provide guidance on best practices and approaches, help to identify barriers that exist between police officers and members of the community and develop strategies to eliminate those barriers.
The councils meet once a month, alternating between individual council meetings and group events. Council members will have the opportunity for behind-the-scenes experiences and training sessions with the Bellevue Police Department, including police ride-alongs, defensive tactics training, driving training, recruitment and use of force exercises, to name a few.
To Apply
If you would like to apply to become a police volunteer or an Advisory Council member, please fill out the online application (to the right). Applicants will be contacted if a suitable assignment is available. The application process includes a series of interviews, a complete background investigation and a polygraph exam.
If you have questions, please contact the police volunteer coordinator, Nicole Bells at 425-452-6017 or nbells@bellevuewa.gov.
Bellevue police volunteers serve as “extra eyes, ears and helping hands” for the Police Department. They do NOT engage in contacting or arresting persons or criminals. Volunteers are NOT sworn police officers and do NOT carry weapons.
NOTE: The Police Department cannot accommodate group volunteer projects, court-mandated community service or high school community service projects.