Mission Statement

The mission of the West Vancouver Police Department Victim Services Program is to provide victims of crime and trauma, residing within the District of West Vancouver, with support, assistance, information, and referrals to community resources, in their time of need or crisis.

Program Goal

To ensure that victims and witnesses of crime and trauma receive the emotional support, information, and the practical assistance they need to report crimes, to recover from the effects of being victimized, to prevent re-victimization, and to participate fully in the Criminal Justice System.

Program Objectives

• To make positive contacts with victims
• To show victims concern and offer support
• To provide information to victims and witnesses as to the progress of their police/court files
• To act as a liaison between the public, police and crown counsel
• To assist victims and witnesses in participating fully in the justice process, including assistance with completing Victim Impact Statements
• To assist with the application of court orders and obtaining court information
• To assist with applications for the Crime Victim Assistance Program
• To assist the victim in recovering from the effects of victimization
• To assist in preventing re-victimization

The West Vancouver Police Department Victim Services Program is presently staffed with a full-time paid Program Manager and a part-time paid Assistant (25 hours per month). 

There are currently 33 active volunteers. 

What Does Victim Services Do?

Victim Services Workers provide short-term emotional support and guidance to victims of crime or trauma.  This is typically by providing a listening ear and offering practical suggestions and referrals to other community resources.  In some situations, Victim Services will provide support to the victim from the initial incident through to the end of the court process.  Contact with victims is most often over the telephone ("cold calls"), although workers occasionally meet with the client at their residence or the Police Department. 

Why Volunteer With Victim Services?

The reasons people volunteer are diverse and personal; however, in making your decision, there are several benefits to consider:

• The opportunity to learn new skills
• The opportunity to attend regular training sessions
• The opportunity to learn more about your community and its resources
• The opportunity to provide a very necessary and worthwhile service to your community
• The opportunity to meet a great group of people and share some challenging experiences 

Volunteer Training Programs are generally run once a year, usually in the spring.  The training is a 60 hour commitment, and held on weekday evenings with the occasional daytime session.  Trainees are asked to commit to one year (minimum 100 hours) with the Program, to include office support and stand-by On Call availability.  Candidates interested in becoming a Victim Service Worker must complete an application form and submit three referrals.  If their application is accepted, the candidate will be asked to attend an interview with the Program Manager and a police officer, followed by a Peer interview with existing volunteers.  Applicants will also be subject to a Security background check. 

How Do I Join?

If you are interested in joining the West Vancouver Police Department Victim Services team, please call the Program Manager at 604.925.7468 or contact us online.  The application form is available for download here.