Lexington, KY - The Lexington Division of Police unveiled a new program to lend motorists a hand and to free the hands of their patrolmen and women. The VIP Vehicle program - standing for Volunteers in Policing - is staffing a surplus fleet pickup truck with citizen volunteers to help stranded motorists by giving them jumps, changing tires or adding a level of visibility as they wait for a tow truck to arrive.
Currently staffed with two volunteers working shifts at scheduled times throughout the week, the program is looking to add more who can free up patrol cars to get back on the road in non-emergency situations. A late model Dodge pickup stocked with traffic cones, emergency signs, a jack and other equipment can be dispatched to assist a car that a patrol car has already stopped to help and allow them to get back on the road or to be the first on scene with them.
The truck is painted similar to regular Lexington police vehicles and has a bar of yellow lights atop the roof.
Those interested in volunteering can call 258-3666 to find out more. Volunteers are required to go through a background check and training with a traffic officer. The program is operated on a low budget, some of it with money donated from the Citizens Police Academy.