The Vernon Community Safety Office (CSO) is the flagship operation of the Protective Services – Community Safety Unit. Opening its doors in November 1999 as the Community Policing Office, staffed by RCMP volunteers, the storefront has expanded beyond traditional Community Policing functions, to providing overall Community Safety initiatives.
To become an RCMP Community Safety Office Volunteer applicants must:
- Be 19 years or older at the time of application.
- Commit to a minimum of one year of voluntary service, providing a minimum of 4 hours per week, and be able to attend all required training sessions and meetings.
- Valid BC Driver’s License (required only if interested in programs that require the use of a vehicle)
- Have and maintain a clean driving record for the past 5 years (required only if interested in programs that require the use of a vehicle)
- Must not be under investigation by any police force.
- Consent to a police information check and background reference check.
- Take an Oath of Confidentiality, adhere to a Code of Ethics, and abide by CSO rules and regulations.
- Ability to write and communicate well in the English language.
- Able to obtain and maintain an RCMP Reliability Status
The CSO houses information on over 50 crime reduction/prevention programs and initiatives and also offers a broad spectrum of information around community-based programs, projects and initiatives. The CSO further houses the Restorative Justice Society - North Okanagan.
The CSO allows for community members to initiate non or low priority reports to the RCMP, refers clients to available resources, services and programs within the community, provides information regarding current crime reduction/prevention programs and initiatives which empower individuals and neighbourhoods to feel and be safe.
