RCMP victim services welcoming volunteers

The Prince George RCMP victim services unit is looking to increase it volunteer base and will be starting the process this month.

“We have an amazing, close knit and dedicated team of 12 volunteers but we would like to have that number sitting at between 20 and 30,” said unit coordinator Krista Levar. It’s not an easy job, but it is rewarding. Victim services personnel accompany RCMP officers to sometimes devastating, brutal scenes of crime and tragedy. They provide support to the survivors and loved ones of murder, sudden death, suicide, assault, sexual assault, and motor vehicle fatalities. They attend court with victims, assist with referrals and provide the community with support when it is most needed.

“Volunteers who are accepted into the program are provided with extensive training and a volunteer experience unlike any other,” said Levar. “They must be willing to be called out in the middle of the night to help persons in need of support.”

An information session will be held Wed., Jan. 10 at the Prince George RCMP detachment, 455 Victoria St. The session will start at 7:30 p.m.

It’s an opportunity to meet the current volunteers and therapy dogs, take a look at the victim services area, and learn a bit more about what they do to see if you would like to do it too.

Bring government-issued photo identification to the meeting.

For more information, call Levar at 250561-3373.