National Volunteer Week is underway this week from April 6th to April 12th.
Saanich Police wish to publicly thank our more than one thousand community volunteers. These great people help us deliver crime prevention and community engagement programs to the community of Saanich. This is all in addition to the important work and community engagement that our police officers do every day and night. These amazing volunteers are helping us to Keep Saanich Safe.
Reserve Police:
We have over 50 (fifty) Reserve officers who come from all walks of life. In 2013 they contributed over 7400 hours of volunteer time – Patrol ride-alongs, traffic control, crime prevention and community engagement, training and meetings. Two of our Reserves have over 22 years of service. Two more have over 17 years.
Block Watch:
Saanich Block Watch has over 975 volunteers in the roles of Area Coordinator, Block Captain and Co-Captain. They help us share crime prevention strategies with over 600 blocks and over 9300 homes in Saanich. This is a neighbour-helping-neighbour program that also helps with emergency preparedness.
Ace Mascot Team:
Our Ace program is nearly three years old and continues to grow in leaps and bounds. Our 22 Ace Team volunteers took Ace to 35 community events in 2013.
Camosun College / Vancouver Island University:
23 Criminal Justice students from Camosun gave over 2000 hours of volunteer time between October 2013 and April 2014. They help with Block Watch canvassing, Cell Watch and Lock It or Lose It. Two VIU student volunteers gave over 300 hours last year and we now have another VIU student with us in 2014.
Staff Sergeant Scott Treble