Victim Assistance VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS)
MHPS Victim Assistance volunteers play a crucial role in both the operation of the police service as well as the well-being of the community. They provide 24/7 essential support services and resources to individuals who have been impacted by crime or tragedy. Offering trauma-informed support, navigation services, court support and information on the justice process, Victim Assistance volunteers assist survivors of crime while they find their voice navigating the complex judicial system.
Our volunteers bring unique skills and experiences to the team, creating a diverse environment and inclusive organizational structure that builds capacity to support those from different social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
Advocates and staff are highly trained in competency skills including trauma-informed care, vicarious trauma/secondary trauma, and compassion fatigue. Building emotional intelligence enables volunteers to understand and manage their own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize without judgement, and build positive, trusting relationships that are compassionate and meaningful. Some have also been inspired to pursue careers in a human service field after gaining firsthand experience through their volunteer work.
Volunteers take on various roles such as administrative tasks, community outreach, or assist with non-emergency calls, freeing up officers to focus on their policing duties.
While collaborating with community partners, Victim Assistance works closely with the Criminal Investigation Section and Family Crimes Unit. The Facility Dog Program has two dogs, Athena and Glory, and recently retired Mulder. They offer emotional support to children and adults in a non-judgmental and unconditional way in what can often be a vulnerable conversation. Research shows their calming influence helps reduce anxiety and stress and creates a safe space for survivors to process emotions and experiences, helping them feel supported and understood as they journey through healing.
Thank you to our volunteers for your invaluable contribution to MHPS and our community, all while striving to make a positive difference in the lives of those you serve. You are inspiring.
If you are interested in volunteering, please go to www. mhps.ca or email va@mhps.ca