Happy New Year to you all. Hopefully the festive period was a time for you to relax and spend some quality time with family, friends and loved ones.
Some of you may have seen that, as a service, we are presenting an "Open House" on January 22nd to promote the idea of members of diverse communities applying for volunteer positions within the Calgary Police Service. With that in mind I want to repeat an article that I wrote last year about volunteer opportunities, just to refresh your minds and maybe generate some renewed interest. The event should be well attended and informative so please feel free to come along. Alternatively you can contact me for information about the event.
The Calgary Police Service actively seeks volunteers to help with a variety of programs. Opportunities are available with the community police stations, district offices, Victim Assistance Team, and YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre.
Volunteer requirements
Volunteers must meet the following requirements:
· must be 18 years of age;
· must have Canadian citizenship or legal permanent status;
· must have no criminal convictions for which a pardon has not been granted;
· must have no criminal charges pending before the courts;
· must have no criminal activity within at least three years preceding application;
· must be willing to give a one-year commitment;
· must be able to volunteer three to five hours per week;
· must have good written and verbal communication skills.
Calgary Police Service Volunteer Programs
The CPS recruit for the following volunteer positions:
Community Stations
Volunteers in community stations usually live in the community in which the station is located. They work with constables to respond to requests for information, answer phones, assist visitors, book appointments for the constables and document community concerns. Community Stations are located in Riverbend/Ogden, Braeside, Chinook Centre, and Market Mall.
District Offices
Volunteers in district offices usually live in the community in which the office is located. These volunteers assist with the subpoena and warrant phoning programs.
Business Liaison Program
Business Liaison Program volunteers collect information from businesses in order to maintain a database that includes contact information. They also discuss crime and safety issues with business owners and managers and work to devise solutions to these problems. Volunteers also assist in providing crime prevention seminars and conduct follow-ups with businesses that have been victims of crime.
Victim Assistance Team
Volunteer victim support workers assist victims of crime and misfortune with support, information and referral services. Support is offered in the form of court accompaniment, assistance with restitution request applications and other services, and providing information about court dates and police and/or court procedures.
Further information about the Victim Assistance Team was given in the May 2013 edition of this magazine.
YouthLink Calgary Police Interpretive Centre
Volunteers in the Interpretive Centre may work as a docent or as "Where's the Evidence" School Program educators. Front counter volunteers or docents greet and assist visitors with information about the centre and answer questions about the exhibits. "Where's the Evidence" School Program educators guide school children through work stations and provide background on investigative and evidence gathering techniques. Evening docents work with youth groups such as Scouts and Guides to facilitate their visit to the centre and do program specific material.
For more information about volunteer opportunities with the Calgary Police Service or for any other comments, issues or concerns please get in touch with me in the usual way. Alternatively, you can contact Vivian Gathercole with the Volunteer Resource Team.
Stay safe, look after each other, and maybe I will see you on 22nd.