By Lisa Schick

Victim services wants you

Jan 26, 2011 | 10:50 AM

Caring, community-minded, and willing to assist victims – these traits are what the Prince Albert police service is looking for in new Victims Services Unit volunteers.

Volunteers will undergo extensive training to be able to give victims of crimes the information, support and referral to services they need.

Prince Albert Police Service Sgt. Kelly McLean said there is less attention paid to victims than there could be in this system.

“Our system is offender based, there are a lot of resources that go to offenders in the community, there’s not as much in terms of resources that go to our victims and this is a fantastic way to be able to offer existing resources to the victims of crime in our community,” he said.

He stressed that Victims Services is not a counselling service — they direct victims to the existing services in the community.

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“We have some very good people out there that are offering very good services, it’s just that sometimes there is a disconnect between the police and victims in terms of making sure the victims of crime get to the supports that already exist,” said McLean.

The service is asking for volunteers who are willing to put in at least four hours a week in the unit.
McLean said that knowledge is power for victims: how to get through the court systems, how to fill out victim compensation and most of all, where to find the counselling services they need.

Any citizens willing to volunteer their time or just wanting more information about the Victim Services Unit can drop by the Police Headquarters Building, 45-15th street west, or call 953-HELP (953-4357).

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