FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Crime Prevention Unit

Thank you for your interest in becoming a Volunteer with the New Westminster Police, Crime Prevention Unit.

Our goals are to reduce crime in the City of New Westminster by educating the public, implementing crime prevention programs, encouraging citizen involvement in crime prevention, and increasing police accessibility.

Crime Prevention Programs currently supported by the New Westminster Police Service include: Block Watch Program, Child Identification/ Stranger Abduction Prevention, Citizens Crime Watch Patrol, Graffiti Eradication Program, Lock Out Auto Crime, Property Identification, Speed and Traffic Watch, Volunteer Bicycle Patrol, Stolen Auto Recovery, Personal Safety and Awareness, and Home Security Unit.

1. What are the requirements for volunteering with the New Westminster Police Service Crime Prevention Unit?

• Minimum of 19 years of age
• Possess a valid Class 5 driver´s license with a good driving record.
• Be somewhat flexible during the days, evenings, and weekends.
• Pass a security clearance and police verifications including all police information systems, integrity test, credit check, fingerprinting, and an interview with the New Westminster Police.
• Attend the Information Session, and all training provided by NWPS.
• Provide two Business and three Personal References.
• Commit to one year with a 6-month probationary period. No exceptions.
• Take an Oath of Confidentiality.

2. What are the qualifications for volunteering with the Crime Prevention Unit?

• Ability to communicate effectively: both verbal and written
• Ability to deal with persons in a non-judgmental, non-prejudicial manner
• Ability to work harmoniously with others
• Ability to take directions and yet think independently
• Be honest, respectful, accountable, professional, and have compassion for the Citizens of New Westminster
• Experience with office equipment, including computers, is an asset
• Experience or knowledge concerning crime prevention is an asset

3. When does the New Westminster Police Crime Prevention Unit recruit new volunteers?

• Recruitment is performed bi-annually in September and March of every calendar year.

4. How long is the recruitment process?

• The recruitment process can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks.

5. How many hours do I need to commit in order to volunteer with the New Westminster Police Crime Prevention Unit?

• You can commit to as little as 6 hours per month, or up to 4 hours a week, depending on which program you are placed in at the time of recruitment. You will discuss this at the time of your interview.

6. What is the dress attire for volunteering with the Crime Prevention Unit ?

• All volunteers are provided with a uniform shirt

7. How can I get an application form?

• Click Here to download an application form from the New Westminster Police web site; or,
• pick up an application package at the New Westminster Police station at 555 Columbia Street, New Westminster
• Please keep in mind our recruiting dates. If your application is submitted outside of these dates, you will not hear from us until the next recruitment session.