“My call tonight is for every American to commit at least two years -- 4,000 hours over the rest of your lifetime -- to the service of your neighbors and your nation.  Many are already serving, and I thank you.  If you aren't sure how to help, I've got a good place to start.”  -  President George W. Bush during his 2002 State of the Union speech

The Citizen Corps, part of the USA Freedom Corps, was formed as part of President Bush’s call to service during his State of the Union speech on January 29th, 2002.  The President called on the Americans to volunteer two years or 4,000 total hours to the service of others.  Citizen Corps is run nationally by FEMA.  The following are some of the programs currently managed by Citizen Corps.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) - http://training.fema.gov/EMIWeb/cert/

 The Community Emergency Response Team members are formed to give support to first responders during emergencies.  CERT members must go through 18 hours of training including disaster preparedness, disaster fire suppression, basic disaster medical operations, and light search and rescue operations.  FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI) teaches the instructors through the Train the Trainer course. 
 
Neighborhood Watch Programs - http://www.usaonwatch.org/

 Although the Neighborhood Watch Programs have existed for thirty years, Citizen Corps is expanding the program by partnering with the National Sheriffs Association.  Residents will be given information to help them spot signs of terrorist activity.  They will function as the “eyes and ears” of authorities and will report any possible terrorist activity.

Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) - http://www.policevolunteers.org/

 The Department of Justice is involved in developing the Volunteers in Police Service program to allow members of the community to volunteer for their local police departments.  Their efforts will help supplement the limited resources that many police departments have.  These volunteers would undertake a support role by providing:  community outreach; telephone work; research; policy review; technology support; information system support; administrative tasks; and other non-enforcement activities.
 
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) - http://www.citizencorps.gov/medical.html

 The Medical Reserve Corps is for practicing and retired physicians, nurses and other health professionals.  These volunteers would provide communities with additional resources during an emergency situation.  Duties would include immunizations, health and nutrition education, and volunteering in community health centers and local hospitals.  MRC is not yet fully operational, but is accepting volunteer requests.

Operation TIPS (Terrorist Information and Prevention System) - http://www.citizencorps.gov/tips.html

 The controversial Operation TIPS is being developed by the Department of Justice, Department of Labor, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and FEMA.  A single telephone number would be set up so people can report possible terrorist activities.  Only people serving in certain industries would be recruited to be part of Operation TIPS including: transportation, shipping, maritime and mass transit.  Postal and utility workers who conducted their duties occasionally on private property became exempt from Operation TIPS after privacy issues were raised.