Matrix Group International is a leading interactive agency serving associations and non-profits. Matrix Group created the Web site for the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Volunteers in Police Service Program (VIPS) to promote the idea that police volunteers make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. The Web site calls on all Americans to build a culture of service, citizenship, and responsibility.

In support of VIPS’s purpose to connect individuals with existing volunteer opportunities in police service, recognize volunteers already involved in such opportunities, and help law enforcement agencies build new volunteer opportunities, Matrix Group created the following for the VIPS Web site:

• A design with flash branding area on the home page that appeals to Americans’ sense of patriotism and service.
• A searchable directory summarizing volunteer programs available in law enforcement agencies across the country. Agencies use the directory to network and contact programs offering similar or desired volunteer roles, and citizens use it to search for service opportunities.
• A library of model policies and other resources for law enforcement agencies interested in starting a volunteer program.
• A Content Management System that allows IACP staff to update the online resources on their own.
• A Question-of-the-Month feature that allows VIPS staff to publish questions to the home page and collect answers that can then be approved and published to the site.
• A Send-to-a-Friend form and links to popular social networking and bookmarking sites that visitors can use to tell their friends and relatives about the VIPS Web site and programs.

Matrix Group uses state of the art Web technologies to help associations and non-profits promote their organizations to different audiences, raise awareness of their issues, manage complex databases of people and knowledge, increase sales of products and services, and streamline internal business processes.

Matrix Group originally partnered with IACP to develop the VIPS site in the aftermath of September 11. The site was redesigned last year. The IACP, in partnership with and on behalf of the White House Office of the USA Freedom Corps and the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice, initiated the VIPS program in an effort to build on the countless acts of service, sacrifice, and generosity that followed that tragic and historic day.