An Innovative Volunteer Screening Policy

In Washington, the Longview Parks and Recreation Department has decided to institute a new high-tech background check procedure for its volunteers. Known as “Operation TLC2: Making Communities Safe”, it will become one of the 30 or so organizations around the country to implement this type of program.

According to Superintendent Dick Mueller, taking this step is “just being pro-active”. Furthermore, he states “the goal, as always, is to provide quality volunteers and the city does have a good volunteer program. What this does is enhance the program, not only through more background screening, but through training and other resources.”

“Operation TLC2: Making Communities Safe” is a program organized by the National Recreation and Park Association. It will provide criminal record searches, photo identification for screened volunteers and in-depth training for volunteer coaches. Mueller also clarifies that the “difference with this (TLC2) is that it’s for all volunteers, whether it’s for sports or working with seniors or working the developmentally disabled.”

In 2005 alone, the Longview organization utilized 464 volunteers who donated over 6,726 hours.