VOICE - Volunteer-Observers-Impacting-Community-Efforts. The program was modeled after an enormously successful program in Lee County, Florida. VOICE uses well-trained, uniformed volunteers to assist the Sheriff's Department in nonviolent, non-confrontational activities, thus allowing the Deputies more time for catching the bad guys!

Pressures and problems created by today's lawbreakers threaten to overwhelm our understaffed and overworked Sheriff's Department. The cost to add sufficient new deputies is more than most people can afford. Usually, the only alternative is to reduce the services performed by the deputies. In the long run, however, this course of action only makes matters worse and is not in the best interest of the citizens. Concerned citizen's can bear the burden of crime, or they can now do something about it. Let your VOICE be heard!

After successfully completing 40 hours of training, VOICE members assist the Sheriff's Department in many tasks. They may:

• Collect and document evidence, including latent prints and cast.
• Patrol neighborhoods in specially marked VOICE cars.
• Perform selected functions in the Corrections Department.
• Represent the Sheriff's Department at ceremonial functions.
• Do clerical and analytical tasks at the Sheriff's Office.
• Monitor and check for disposal of abandoned vehicles.
• Assist in traffic and crowd control at accidents.
• Respond to misdemeanor theft and vandalism reports.
• Check residents while occupants are away.
• Participate in area searches for missing persons - plus numerous other functions.

If you wish to serve your community, like challenges and want to learn more about Law Enforcement, consider joining VOICE! You must be 18 years of age or older, in good physical condition, have a valid driver's license, no criminal record and be of sound moral character. Call the Levy County Sheriff's Office at 352-486-5111 and leave your name and phone number, we'll contact you with full details.