Speed Watch is a RCMP volunteer program aimed at getting drivers to slow down. (Submitted photo/RCMP)

By Pete McIntyre

National Volunteer Week

RCMP leader says volunteers make community better, safer

Apr 29, 2022 | 6:30 AM

From night patrols, to conducting speed awareness campaigns, and helping out with big events, there is no doubt the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP would not be as effective without its volunteer-driven programs.

As part of National Volunteer Week, the local police detachment is thanking the many volunteers who donate their time to make the community a better place.

(Image credit: RCMP)

Mounties say in 2021, members of the City of Vernon RCMP volunteers and the Community Safety Unit dedicated over 10,000 hours of their personal time to various safety and crime prevention projects in the city.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank and recognize this dedicated group of individuals for supporting our community and our policing operations,” said Superintendent Shawna Baher, officer in charge. “Your efforts do not go unnoticed and your willingness and genuine desire to help others contributes directly to the health and safety of residents and makes our community a better, safer place to live.”

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City of Vernon RCMP volunteers conduct night patrols, speed and cell watch operations, lead vessel compliance checks in the summer and participates in block watch and lock-out auto crime initiatives.

“These volunteers also assist at large community events, such as Funtastic and Vernon Winter Carnival, throughout the year. In 2021, they provided valuable support to our detachment in response to the White Rock Lake and other wildfires that threatened our community,” said Constable Chris Terleski, media relations officer.

The Community Safety Office is the public safety education arm of Community Safety Unit. The office provides educational outreach such as Bike Safety Education, Garage 529 registration and information on core community crime prevention initiatives, front-line community programs, and a variety of personal, home and community safety resources.

Volunteers worked with over 2,000 community members that came into the office in 2021.

For more information, or to find out how you can volunteer, visit the website City of Vernon Community Safety website here.

by Pete McIntyre

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