The Lethbridge Police Service has opened its yearly intake for volunteer crisis support workers. Volunteers have been assisting victims of crime for more than 30 years. This includes responding to emergency scenes, offering followup trauma care, preparing clients for court and more, Volunteers have become crucial to police being able to offer 24-7 support. That support can have a huge impact for victims of crime in need of comfort. “If you’re looking to be a future police officer, this is experience you can get nowhere else. If you’re thinking you want to be a counsellor, the opportunity to sit in grief and trauma with someone is an opportunity to really stretch your wings a little and see if this is the right fit for you,” said Cat Pooley, Lethbridge Police Service victim/witness services unit manager. “We have a lot of folks, too, that just want to give back to their community. They’re not looking necessarily to gain something from it, they just want to be able to be there for someone when needed, so we make sure that they’re well-trained to be able to do any of that kind of work.” Volunteers must be 18 years or older and have a clear criminal record. Applications can be submitted online.
