Gilbert Police Department

Volunteers provide on-scene support to victims of traumatic events or crime, at the request of the police or fire department. They respond to provide compassionate assistance and resources during events such as a death or death notification, traffic accident, or family violence incident.

Requirements

A Crisis Support Unit (CSU) Volunteer must:

• Pass the Gilbert PD background investigation.
• Be at least 21 years of age.
• Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Must be able to lift/carry twenty pounds. 

Qualifications

CSU training must be successfully completed, this includes:

• Seven 2-hour training sessions:
  • Orientation to CSU Volunteering
    • Safety
    • Preparing for and responding to a crisis call-out
    • Resource materials
  • Family dynamics
  • Death and suicide
  • Death notification
  • Grief
  • Victims of Crime
  • Emotional care
  • Communicating
  • Scenarios
• Three crisis call-outs with a PD Counselor or Lead CSU

Responsibilities and Duties

CSU Volunteers:

• Always adhere to safety protocols
• Report to the Counseling Manager
• Are supervised by sworn personnel when on-scene
• Arrive at crisis scene within 30 minutes of dispatch
• Provide compassionate support and information to victims
• Provide and explain resources
• Sign-up for at least four 6-hour shifts per month
• Attend team meetings

Daily Expectations

• CSU Volunteers wear their complete uniform while doing their duties
  • Uniform and personal appearance shall be clean and neat
• Compassionate interaction between CSU and victims
• Necessary paperwork will be completed after a crisis call-out