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, the volunteer staffed storefront has expanded beyond traditional Community Policing functions, to providing overall Community Safety initiatives. 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 Community Safety Office further houses the Restorative Justice Society - North Okanagan.
Rachael Zubick, Community Safety Coordinator – Public Programs
Margaret Clark, Executive Director Restorative Justice Society – North Okanagan
Staffed by RCMP volunteers, under the direction of the Community Safety Coordinator – Public Programs, the Community Safety Office 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.
Arrangements for residential or business security audits using the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), workshops on personal, home, vehicle and community safety, Internet safety, crystal meth awareness and a broad range of age and developmentally appropriate workshops can be made through the Community Safety Office. Information on bullying, drug awareness, cyber bullying, bike safety and much more is also available.