Volunteer Observers Impacting Community Effort

Volunteer Observers Impacting Community Effort, more commonly known by its acronym, V.O.I.C.E. began in 1988 when the Lee County Sheriff's Office needed additional deputies but did not have the budget to hire them.  

V.O.I.C.E. is comprised of concerned citizens who care about their community and are dedicated to helping the Sheriff’s Office provide a higher level of service to its citizens and visitors.

The primary function of the volunteers was neighborhood patrol. Over the years, the volunteer duties have expanded greatly. V.O.I.C.E. members now perform a very diverse array of non-confrontational duties that keep certified road deputies available for the more serious calls requiring law enforcement expertise. Some duties that were added to the neighborhood patrol are traffic control, traffic surveys, business patrols, picking up found property, neighborhood canvassing, tagging abandoned vehicles, processing visitors at the stockade, as well as a variety of office duties. Volunteers also provide assistance to non-profit organizations and civic groups by assisting with traffic control, finger printing, and crowd patrol for lost children and medical emergencies.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have at minimum, a high school or G.E.D. They must also possess a valid driver’s license and be in good health. Due to the nature of our volunteer duties, applicants should not have a criminal record. Applicants that have served in the military must have an honorable discharge. Upon acceptance, applicants must undergo academy and field training to prepare them for their new duties. V.O.I.C.E. members are required to donate a minimum of 16 hours per month.

V.O.I.C.E. members contributed 37,255 hours in 2007 which is a savings of over $699,276. If you have 16 hours per month that you can give to your community, please call the Lee County Sheriff’s Volunteer Office at
239) 477-1422.