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SVCPC Volunteer Information
Become an SVCPC Volunteer
We are always looking for keen volunteers!
Volunteers with the South Vancouver Community Policing Centre take part in many different activities and programs. Volunteers are encouraged to join our Bike Patrol, Foot Patrol, and Speed Watch programs, as well as take part in various other initiatives such as city wide events and festivals.
There are many benefits to volunteering with the South Vancouver Community Policing Centre. Our volunteers give back to the community while learning valuable communication skills, observation skills, team work skills, and developing great friendships.
Aspiring police officers are able to greatly increase their competitiveness as a potential applicant to one of the local police departments.
We provide training and patrol uniform. All patrol shifts are conducted as a group of minimum 2.
Our basic requirements include: (as of February 11, 2010)
- minimum 19 years old (*)
- pass Vancouver Police Department Police check
- 2 references with contact name and phone number
- Obtain passing marks on apptitude/suitability test
- Successful interview with Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteers are expected to:
- volunteer minimum 2 hours (1 shift unit) per week during office hours(**)
- abide by our community policing guidelines
(*) Previously the minimum age was 17 years old
(**) Shifts outside office hours can be considered
Please pick up your Application Package from our office today.
For more information contact:
Office Coordinator
South Vancouver Community Policing Centre
5657 Victoria Drive, Vancouver BC V5P 3W7
Telephone: (604)-717-2940
E mail: volsvcpc@telus.net
Aboriginal Cadet 001
(Maire - writer of this blog is second from the left)
Hello, my name is Maire, and I am a volunteer with the South Vancouver Community Policing Centre. This year, I was accepted by the Vancouver Police Department into the Aboriginal Cadet Program, which was set up in 2007 as a program for young Aboriginal adults to gain work experience and see firsthand how police constables operate in the field. This is my first actual insight into the world of policing in Vancouver, and the more I learn, the more prepared I will be when I apply to become a regular member. For several years now, I have been seriously considering policing as my career path.
VPD stresses huge importance and priority in building strong relationships with the many diverse communities around the city, including the Aboriginal communities. I am of half First Nations descent and have lived in Vancouver most of my life so I have adapted very well to the metro, fast-paced atmosphere. For other Aboriginal people living in the city, it is not so easy and many of them we see or rather hear of living and surviving in the Downtown Eastside. My short term goal is to graduate from the Aboriginal Cadet Program and my long term goal is to apply to be a regular member. By offering my services to VPD, I hope to give the Aboriginal peoples of the Lower Mainland hope. To this day, Aboriginal people are overrepresented as criminals, drug dealers and prostitutes. With this program and my future goals in mind, I am combating this stereotype and giving hope to the Aboriginal people who feel wronged by the legal system. With more Aboriginal officers hired in the law enforcement field, positive representation, trust and friendship are founded between police officers and members of the Aboriginal communities.
My experience so far can fill pages while the experiences of the police constables can fill books. I was lucky to be called for an interview for one of four positions in the cadet program. Out of approximately 20 applicants and a two month waiting period, I was hired. My work week consists of 4 days on, 4 days off and 10 hours each day. On two of the days, I work at the VPD Fleet Services under the Cambie Street bridge where I wash and clean out the patrol cars. The second set of days I am assigned to go on "ride alongs" with police constables in the four separate districts of Vancouver. I especially like the ride alongs because the police constables encourage my presence for each call. They have been the cherry on top because I have already seen more than I could have imagined. I get to witness many incidents, including domestic disputes, noise disturbance calls, and calls to victims who plan to attempt suicide. On my second patrol, the police constables I was with happened to conduct a drug seizure and I was actually allowed to count and weigh the drugs! I found this kind of surprising because I had never physically seen these drugs and here I was sorting them but it was cool nonetheless. While on patrol, I keep a notebook identical to the one I use for volunteering, and record what happens. My job is also very similar to volunteering: I watch and observe. I find the more calls we go to, the more I learn and from the nature of the scene, I become more de-sensitized. I am definitely enjoying my time with VPD this summer and will keep you updated!
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