Kyle Victim Services Unit Seeking Volunteers

The Kyle Police Department Victim Services Unit, in conjunction with the San Marcos Police Department Victim Services Unit, Hays County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit and Lockhart Police Department Victim Services Unit, will be holding a volunteer training class in October and is now accepting applications.

The ​volunteer training will be held from 6-9 p.m. on October 17, 19, 24, and 26 as well as from 8am – 5pm on October 28 at the Kyle Public Safety Center, 1700 Kohler’s Crossing. All training classes are required.

Victim Services Volunteers respond to crime scenes, when requested, and provide crisis intervention, support, assistance and resources to those who have been affected by the incident.

“Victim Services is a unique opportunity to provide support to people within the Kyle community. Every call is different, and every person's level of need is different as well,” one volunteer has said. “Victim Services is an amazing navigational and supportive tool for those effected by crime and I enjoy volunteering because it is so meaningful to be able to help guide individuals and the families in finding resources, supportive services or just be available to them to help them process trauma.”

Volunteers are required to commit to one 12-hour on call shift a month. Volunteers will only need to be available to respond to a call if one comes in on their shift. The Victim Services Unit currently has eight volunteers in the program.

Those interested in volunteer training with the Kyle Police Department Victim Services Unit can contact Victim Services Coordinator Kelly Barron at 512-268-0859 x 71233 or email kbarron@cityofkyle.com.

Volunteers must meet the minimum requirements, fill out and application and pass a background check. The minimum qualifications are as follows:

• Must be 21 years of age or older
• Must have a vehicle, maintain insurance coverage on the vehicle and have a current and valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to make a one-year commitment and attend monthly meetings/training sessions, that will take place at either the Kyle Police Department or the San Marcos Police Department.
• Must be able to maintain professional demeanor in crisis situations.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidence.
• Must be of good moral character.
• Must be able to interact with several classifications of people and treat all victims/survivors in a courteous and professional manner.
• Must be able to work with a minimum of supervision.