When auxiliary police officers offer reasons why they joined the volunteer force, most will likely speak about the challenge, the community service. Rande Johal admits she signed up on a dare.
B次元官网网址淪omeone wondered if I could pass the physical at my age,B次元官网网址� she says laughing. B次元官网网址淚 was one of the more mature members in the auxiliary class, but the physical went great. I was up for the challenge.B次元官网网址�
That was more than five years ago, and Johal, 51, hasnB次元官网网址檛 regretted a moment. The West Shore RCMP auxiliary constable says the specialized training, camaraderie and assisting regular RCMP members on the street makes for an exciting hobby.
B次元官网网址淵ou can attend calls and feel confident,B次元官网网址� says Johal, a dispatcher for BC Transit. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e got the training to help regular members and to keep things under control.B次元官网网址�
The West Shore RCMP detachment is looking for a few more auxiliary constables, a sworn peace officer position that allows volunteers to help the community stay safe. The detachment currently has 18 auxiliaries on duty to augment 57 regular members.
Auxiliary constables tend help on the periphery of police incidents B次元官网网址� traffic control, crowd control and securing the perimeter of crime scenes.
Other auxiliaries might focus on community policing, such as giving talks on fraud prevention, theft prevention, restorative justice as well as helping run B次元官网网址渂ike rodeosB次元官网网址� at elementary schools, or helping with traffic patrol during parades.
TheyB次元官网网址檙e also often partnered with regular West Shore RCMP members for vehicle patrols, especially on busy weekends.
B次元官网网址淎uxiliaries canB次元官网网址檛 participate in certain dangerous activities such as high-speed chases or violent activities because they have no weapon,B次元官网网址� notes RCMP Const. Brian Lucas, with the West Shore community policing section. B次元官网网址淏ut auxiliaries in many ways are our partners in many things we do.
B次元官网网址淥n a Thursday, Friday, Saturday night they might assist with every call from shoplifting to violent assaults to break-and-enters. On a ride-along, auxiliaries are exposed to everything an officer is exposed to.B次元官网网址�
Lorne Fletcher, LangfordB次元官网网址檚 senior bylaw enforcement officer, has been an auxiliary constable for 21 years, the longest in the detachment. In 2003, he was the first auxiliary officer to ride in the Tour de Rock and has been involved in everything from training with forward-looking infrared gear on helicopters, to working with the security detail around CanadaB次元官网网址檚 prime minister.
B次元官网网址淵ou get involved with everything from being first on the scene at a motor vehicle accident. ThatB次元官网网址檚 never a happy situation,B次元官网网址� Fletcher says. B次元官网网址淏ut thereB次元官网网址檚 been a lot of good times too. Finding lost children, helping save a life.B次元官网网址�
B次元官网网址淲e put a lot of trust in auxiliaries,B次元官网网址� Lucas adds. B次元官网网址淭hey earn a lot of trust.B次元官网网址�
Johal says itB次元官网网址檚 tough to witness the kind of abuse that can erupt with family breakdown, but for the most part, working as a peace officer is rewarding. In particular, Johal relishes training on a 17-foot Boston whaler boat B次元官网网址渋n three-foot chop at night.B次元官网网址�
People accepted into the auxiliary program must be willing to put in 100 hours of training over about three months and be willing to commit to at least 160 hours of service per year.
Basic training involves physical, class and legal work and is offered at the West Shore detachment in Langford.
The West Shore detachment is having auxiliary constable information sessions March 2, 7 p.m. and March 5, 10 a.m.
See the application form and minimum qualifications at www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/ccaps-spcca/auxil-eng.htm.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
