Hello everyone, it is great to be talking to you again, and even better that we have had some sun recently to warm our bones after what seems like an extremely long winter.

You may recall in my introduction to you at the beginning of the year that I have been a police officer for many years, primarily in the UK, and I have to tell you that in my experience Calgary is a very safe city.  However, as with all big cities, sometimes bad things do happen as was evidenced recently by an incident that was reported quite extensively in the media.  If you are unfortunate enough to require police action as a result of being a victim of a personal crime such as assault or robbery, then you need to know that you are not alone when it comes to dealing with the aftermath of these incidents.  This month I want to provide you with a bit of information about the Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Support Team.

The Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Support Team (VAST) promotes and advocates the rights and entitlements of victims of crime and trauma. VAST provides assistance to both primary victims (persons who have experienced direct injury, loss or trauma) and secondary victims (those who are impacted by the repercussion of a crime or trauma including witnesses, friends, family and co-workers.) To lessen the effects of a traumatic incident, the Victim Assistance Support Team provides non-judgmental emotional support, a listening ear and practical assistance to victims of crime or tragedy.

VAST also provides comprehensive resource listings for victims.

The Calgary Police Service Victim Assistance Support Team has been a source of support to thousands of victims of crime and tragedy in Calgary since 1977. Their role is to reduce the impact you may experience from a crime or tragedy. All services are free of charge.

Victim Support Advocates (volunteers) provide phone contact with victims of personal crime or tragedy, offering case and court information and updates, emotional support and referrals to community agencies for counseling, bereavement and other appropriate support agencies.  Contact information and hours of operation appear at the end of this article.

Victim Support Advocates inform victims of their rights, their role and their obligations when participating in the criminal justice system, once charges are laid. Advocates provide court updates, court preparation, court orientation and, when required, court accompaniment for victims, families and witnesses during preliminary hearings and trial.

The Court Support Program also works in partnership with The Child Witness Court Preparation Program for children ages three to 17, and the Domestic Violence Legal Intervention Program.

Victim Support Advocates provide 24/7 response to the scene of an incident to provide immediate crisis intervention, emotional support and practical assistance to victims of crime and tragedy. Teams are dispatched under the direction of Calgary Police Service members.

The following programs are offers by the Alberta Government and supported by victim support advocates.

Once charges are laid, victims have a right to complete a Victim Impact Statement, as legislated under Section 722 of the Criminal Code of Canada. The victim impact statement is intended to give crime victims a voice in the criminal justice process. A victim impact statement is a written account of the personal harm suffered by a victim of crime. It provides an opportunity to participate in the sentencing of an offender by explaining to the court, and the offender, how the crime has affected them.

Once charges are laid, victims have a right to apply for restitution from the offender, if they have suffered financial loss as a result of a crime. Restitution is a way for the offender to repay the victim.

Eligible victims of violent crime in Alberta have a right to apply for Financial Benefits, as an acknowledgement of their victimization. This program is administered under the Victims of Crime Act and Regulation. Benefits are based on the victim’s verified injuries; with the amounts set in the Victims of Crime Regulation.

The contact for more information related to VAST can be found at the end of this article.

In relation to the incident briefly mentioned at the start of this article, I can tell you that I have reviewed the file and I am satisfied that the investigation is being conducted properly, professionally and diligently.  The victim in this case is naturally upset, but seems to be doing okay and has been working with VAST regarding available supports and resources.

Incidents like this are very shocking, but happily they are isolated ones.  Please be alert and don’t be afraid to report all suspicious activity. As always, you can call me or email me with any questions, comments or concerns.

Stay safe, and I look forward to talking to you next month.