Thousands of hours volunteered for crime prevention and community safety in 2024

Feb 12, 2025 | 11:59 AM

Vernon’s Protective Services Community Safety Unit had a busy year.

The team, made up of two Community Safety Coordinators and 39 dedicated RCMP volunteers provided over 4,500 hours of service in 2024.

The Unit’s (PSCSU) work included forming partnerships between residents businesses, community groups and organizations, and the RCMP; public education and engagement; and community-based policing.

The group’s work varied over the course of the year.

Vernon’s Community Safety Office saw over 3,500 visits from members of the public to inquire about crime prevention, community supports, file complaints, and seek other assistance or information.

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Volunteers deployed on 149 Community Safety Patrols in 2024 to increase visibility in the community in an effort to deter and prevent crime. During those deployments, volunteers ran license plates through the Stolen Auto Recovery program, and patrolled a total of 9,265 kilometres over the course of 1,765 hours.

Volunteers also held Speed Watch and Cell Watch operations. During those deployments, the teams targeted nearly 19,400 vehicles that needed to slow down, and observed over 3,500 as they watched for distracted drivers.

Teams also inspected boats and watercraft, checking for invasive mussels. A total of 40 vessels were checked, and none were found to be carrying invasive species.

The PSCSU also worked with frontline service providers to assist in a Crime Prevention Through Social Development program, which looks to address the root causes of crime that could include poverty, homelessness, and economic conditions.

The Community Safety Coordinator held 25 workshops ranging for digital safety to drug awareness to workplace safety, reaching over 1,000 participants. The Coordinator and volunteers also participated in a variety of community events including the Vernon Military Tattoo, Walk for Autism, and Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Expo.

The PSCSU annual report was presented to Vernon City Council at the regular meeting Monday, Feb. 10. The report was accepted as information.

by Liam Verster

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