Who are the S.A.V.s
The Sheriff’s Auxiliary Volunteers (SAVs) are a nationally recognized, award winning organization compromised entirely of volunteer citizens. The SAV support residents of Pima County living in unincorporated areas encompassing 9,241 square miles.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department SAV members perform a number of important tasks vital to the overall mission of the Sheriff’s Department. These operations are Parks Patrol, Crime Prevention, Field Operations, Administration, Special Activities, and Recruiting and Training.
Patrol
The Patrol Division provides patrol support in various Pima County Parks and in current county Neighborhood Watch areas. They will also assist Search and Rescue, respond to calls for service and assist the public at the neigborhood level. They also look for signs of graffiti, suspicious or illegal activity and damage to county property.
Crime Prevention
Crime Prevention SAVs are responsible for a number of tasks to include teaching safety classes and doing home security checks. These tasks are designed to be proactive. They also include: Neighborhood Watch, Video Identification, Home Security, and Crime Free Multi-Housing.
Neighborhood Watch
Video Identification
The SAVs digitally record valuables in people’s homes, free of charge. Citizens use this service in case of fire or burglary to visually document their property - jewelry, electronics or guns, etc.. The DVD is kept by the homeowner, neither the SAVs nor the Sheriff’s Department keeps a copy.
Home Security
SAV members will go to your home and conduct a free safety and security evaluation. They offer advice on ways to improve any weaknesses found. Members also teach citizens how to protect their homes and property.
Crime Free Multi-Housing
The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a state-of-the-art crime prevention program designed to reduce crime, drugs, and gangs in apartment complexes. The Program has spread to nearly 2,000 cities in 44 U.S. states, and several different countries- England, Japan and Puerto Rico. The SAVs work with apartment managers in setting up this program to reduce police calls for service, develop a more stable resident base and reduce exposure to civil liability.
Field Operations
Field Operations SAVs provide non-law enforcement roles at major incidents such as traffic control at accident scenes, natural disasters, and crime scenes.
Volunteers are also responsible for driving and maintaining the Sheriff’s Department Mobile Command Center Vehicles.
Volunteers must complete specialized Field Operations training to be considered for this position.
Administration
Administrative support SAVs perform clerical functions necessary for different sections and investigative units within the Sheriff’s Department.
Special Activities
The primary function of the Special Activites Division is Fingerprinting. They provide adult fingerprinting services at their offices one Benson Highway and can be scheduled for special Child ID events. The SAVs assigned to this area also respond to pre-planned activities such as the Annual Tour de Tucson bike event, Halloween night festivities, and Christmas events.
Recruiting and Training
The SAVs provide initial, advanced and in-service training for its membership. These courses prepare members for whatever mission they decide to undertake.
Recruiting is done on a constant basis to fill the needs of the SAV.
Training is given on a continuing basis throughout the SAVs’ career.