1. What are the requirements for volunteering with the New Westminster Police Victim Assistance Unit?
2. What are the qualifications for volunteering with the Victim Assistance Unit?
3. When does the New Westminster Victim Assistance Unit recruit new volunteers?
4. What is the initial training commitment?
5. How many hours do I need to commit in order to volunteer with the Westminster Police Victim Assistance Unit?
6. What is the dress attire for volunteering with the Victim Assistance Unit?
7. How can I get an application form?
8. Do I still have to undergo security clearances and police verifications if I have completed and passed this process with another police agency?

1. What are the requirements for volunteering with the New Westminster Police Victim Assistance Unit?

• Minimum 20 years of age
• Possess a valid BC drivers license with a good driving record (drivers with a "New Driver" designation or Class 7 are not eligible)
• Pass a security clearance and police checks including all police information systems, integrity test, reference check, fingerprinting and interview with the New Westminster Police.
• Provide 10 Personal References ­ excluding immediate family
• Commit to one year with a three month probationary period. No exceptions.
• Take an Oath of Confidentiality.

2. What are the qualifications for volunteering with the Victim Assistance Unit?

• Able to relate effectively to a wide variety of people and situations
• Able to be supportive but not intrusive
• Able to use tact and good judgment
• Able to respect and maintain confidentiality
• Able to accept direction and supervision
• Able to communicate effectively, verbal and written
• Able to demonstrate empathy and non-judgmental attitude
• Able to handle stress.

3. When does the New Westminster Victim Assistance Unit recruit new volunteers?

• Recruitment is performed in the Fall each year for Training to commence the following January or February.

4. What is the initial training commitment?

• Basic training (classroom training) is approximately 55 hours consisting of full day Saturdays with a few week day evenings. You must be able to commit 100% to ALL training sessions.

5. How many hours do I need to commit in order to volunteer with the Westminster Police Victim Assistance Unit?

• Volunteers are required to commit to 11 hours per month (two shifts).
• There are two shifts available: 1745-2300 or 2245-0400. The early shift (1745-2300) is available Monday to Sunday and the late shift (2245-0400) is available only on Fridays and Saturdays.
• All volunteers are required to schedule their own shifts a month and a half in advance, according to their schedule.

6. What is the dress attire for volunteering with the Victim Assistance Unit?

• Volunteers must wear dark pants (no jeans) and comfortable shoes. Other uniform items are provided.

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.
• Please keep in mind out recruiting time. If your application is submitted later than our recruitment period, your application will remain on file until the next recruitment period

8. Do I still have to undergo security clearances and police verifications if I have completed and passed this process with another police agency?

• Even if you have passed a security clearance with another police agency you must undergo the security clearance and police verification process outlined by the New Westminster Police.