NEIGHBORHOOD ASSISTANCE OFFICERS

(Volunteers in Police Services)

Trained Volunteers in a Community Partnership

The Neighborhood Assistance Officer (NAO) Program, which was organized in 1991, is comprised of approximately 20 civilian volunteers who have been trained by the Charleston Police Department to assist sworn police officers.  The trained volunteers wear distinctive uniforms and assist at accident scenes, crowd situations, lost or stranded motorists, lost children, parking problems, found property, equipment upkeep, weather-related emergencies, and perform many public services as directed.  Volunteers are provided with uniforms, radios, and other necessary equipment.  They must sign a hold-harmless agreement with the city, then are allowed to operate city vehicles, but are not allowed to carry any type of weapon.   The group is registered nationally under the U.S.A. Freedom Corps as a VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) program.  policevolunteers.org

Once an individual makes application, passes a criminal record check, and is accepted into the program, he or she receives training that includes both classroom and practical exercises.  The evening training classes give a valuable educational opportunity, and include NAO Policy and Procedures, Receiving and Reporting Property, Emergency Equipment Use, Report Writing, Directing Traffic, Radio Communication, Officer Safety, Patrol Procedures and many related topics.  A Field Training Officer provides direction for the NAO to better serve the community.  Ranks are awarded to volunteers with capability to train and supervise. 

Once trained, NAOs must commit to a minimum of 16 hours per month to remain active in the program.  Each NAO determines his or her own schedule.  Those who desire to perform duties on bicycle must complete the Police Bike Certification Training as required of Bike Patrol officers, or only ride in pairs with a NAO who has been certified.  NAOs are also of valuable assistance to sworn officers at special events such as conventions, sporting events, parades, concerts, dignitary and funeral escorts, charitable events such as the law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, and during the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta. 

The Charleston Police Department takes applications and schedules NAO training periodically in support of the NAO program.  For more information call Community Services at 348-6411.  To reach the NAO message center, call 347-1809, and state your Request for Service. Applicant procedure

Next tentative class is scheduled for the Spring of 2009.  Persons interested are urged to complete the department's Citizen Police Academy  CPA