Thank you for your interest in Shomrim of Baltimore ("Shomrim" The Membership Committee has organized this packet to help familiarize you with the operations of Shomrim. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact a member of the Membership Committee (membership@shomrim.net)

The mission of Shomrim is to provide an added layer of safety to our community by providing much needed eyes and ears for the police department in the event of an active incident and to take preventative measures within the community to ensure that potential risks are identified and resolved ahead of any potential incidents. Shomrim also often provides search services for missing and endangered persons, safety services for community gatherings, and other safety and security related services to our community. Our mission is accomplished through dedicated volunteers who are committed to team work, continuous improvement and by maintaining a high level of cooperation and professionalism and at all times a commitment to safely.

Introduction & Basic Requirements:

Policies & Procedures: Should your application be accepted, prior to becoming an active Shomrim member you will need to review and accept our policies and procedures as outlined in the member handbook. Shomrim prides itself on strong relationships with law enforcement and other government agencies and those relationships are based on trust and expectations of appropriate conduct. The policies and procedures are strictly enforced and any breach of those policies will not be tolerated. (At this time, the member handbook, policies and procedures are not documented. In the meantime, members will follow directions of their mentor and guidance from the board

Response availability/Shifts: Shomrim is an all volunteer organization. Responders are regular members of our community who are willing to drop what they are doing to provide assistance to others instantly. As such, it is important that members can commit availability during parts of their average day, depending on their schedule, and that our overall membership provides the necessary coverage for incidents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including all religious and calendar holidays.

EMERGENCY NUMBER: 410-358-9999

The volunteer service in our community is one of the best-kept "secrets" in the area. Volunteers for a variety of emergency and non emergency community services put in hundreds of hours attending to the needs of our neighbors and friends. Shomrim can only be as successful as the membership allows, so remember, your participation makes a difference.

Probationary Status: All new members are on Probationary Status for a period of six months. During the six month probationary period, all members must work closely with the membership committee and board to ensure that they are aware of the policies, procedures, and expectations of membership and be prepared to attend occasional review sessions to discuss their activities as members of

During the probationary period, new members will be paired with a member mentor who will be available to you to explain and guide you during your introduction to Shomrim activities. Your mentor is there to help you successfully transition to active Shomrim membership.

Upon completion of the probationary period, the Membership Committee will make a recommendation to the board whether to grant or deny full member status or extend probation.

Meetings: General Shomrim meetings are held on the first Monday of each month. Each member must attended a minimum of 9 meetings within a year in order maintain their status as an active Shomrim member. If the meeting times present a consistent conflict with your schedule please note that on your application form.

EMERGENCY NUMBER: 410-358-9999

Please fill out the application form below. As previously mentioned, volunteers are evaluated not only on their background and willingness to join but also based on the needs of the organization to provide 24 hour coverage every single day and how those needs may be served by your particular schedule. Please fill out this form providing as much detail as possible and be patient with us as we review your application. If more space is needed for any answers, please continue on additional blank pages as needed. Regardless of the outcome of your application, we thank you in advance, on behalf of Shomrim and the community, for offering to volunteer your time to better our community.

Applicant's Name: Date of Submission:

For Membership Committee Use Only

Comments Please use the space on this page to submit questions or comments you may have, and prepare a short statement about why you want to be a member. The Membership Committee will use this information to help process your application. Please feel free to attach a typed page.

Statement of Understanding and Consent

I hereby affirm that all of the statements on this application are full, complete, and true and that Ifully understand that any omissions or misrepresentations herein will be cause for rejection of my application, or for immediate dismissal from Shomrim of Baltimore ("Shomrim"

I understand that Shomrim will investigate all statements made in this application and I hereby authorize this. I hereby authorize Shomrim to obtain a criminal background check from an authorized background reporting company of its choice.

I understand that should my application be accepted by Shomrim, I will be on probation for a period of six months. I further understand that at the end of my probationary period, Shomrim may grant or deny full membership status or extend the probation period. Additionally, I understand that in order to be taken off this initial probation and/or any other probation that may be imposed during my membership and to maintain my membership status, I must meet specific requirements as outlined in the overview of this application and as may be required from time to time by Shomrim.

I release and hold harmless from all liability any individual or entity requesting or supplying information with respect to this application. I also release and hold harmless from all liability any line or administrative officer or member of Shomrim related to my application for membership.