Police Based Victim Services

Program Services | Related Links | Volunteers | Online Information

Police Based Victim Services provides services to victims or witnesses of crime or trauma. The program operates on the philosophy that the immediacy and nature of assistance that a victim receives following an incident can have a significant impact on their resulting wellness. It is the goal of the program, its staff and volunteers to provide timely, relevant and supportive assistance.

Referrals to Victim Services are typically made by the investigating officer. Additionally, individuals can self-refer to the program.

Support Services Availability
Office Assistance: The Victim Services Office is located in the Salmon Arm RCMP detachment and is typically open Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, except statutory holidays. Our telephone number is (250) 832-4453.
At Scene Assistance: This service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Victim Service personnel assist victims at the scene of a crime or traumatic event when requested to do so by an attending Police Officer.

* This program is funded by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General and the City of Salmon Arm. The contractor the Shuswap Area Family Emergency Society.

Program Services

Emotional Support
Victim Services will listen and provide emotional support to help you through the crime or trauma you have experienced. The program does not provide counselling services to a victim; however we will refer a victim to an appropriate resource for those services.

Information
Victim Services will provide a link between victims and the criminal justice system to help you obtain the services and information you need.

Victim Services will provide or facilitate victim access to case-specific information which may include: the status of the police investigation, charges laid against the offender, protective orders, outcome of court appearances, the custodial status of the convicted offender, and length of sentence/parole information, witness orientation, courtroom etiquette and procedures. Victim service workers will not provide legal advice to victims.

Referrals
You many need legal advice, counselling, financial assistance or other services. Victim Services can provide resource information regarding appropriate government or community agencies.

Court Support
If your case goes to court, Victim Services will work with the Crown Prosecutor’s office and the RCMP to answer your questions, help prepare you for court, accompany you to court if you wish, and ensure that you are informed about court dates and the results of proceedings.

Community Relations
In providing services to victims as outlined above, the Program works to establish and maintain working relationships with local community, government, justice, health and other service providers to facilitate coordination, minimize service duplication, and maximize effective referrals across agencies
Public Awareness and Education
The Victim Services program works within the community to provide information on victimization, victim services and crime prevention.

Related Links

British Columbia - Government:

• BC Crime Prevention Association

• BC Crime Prevention Resource Network

• Court of British Columbia

• Legal Services Society
  Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General

• Victim Link

• Victim Safety Unit

• Victims of Crime Act

Volunteers

Victim Services is administered by a full-time Program Manager position and a part-time Assistant Manager position.

But volunteers are at the heart of this valuable program!

Volunteering with Victim Services is an incredibly rewarding opportunity and one that some say is life changing. Victim Service volunteers are positioned to provide significant, meaningful assistance, often at the time of greatest need.

Victim Services recruits new volunteers on an ongoing basis.

If you are interested in volunteering, our basic eligibility requirements are:

• Minimum 19 years of age
• Ability to pass an extensive background check and security clearance.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Valid BC driver’s license
• Available for crisis intervention call outs during the month

Extensive training is provided to successful candidates.

If you meet the basic eligibility requirements and are interested in volunteering please contact our office at (250) 832-4453.

Online Information

PoliceVictimServices.bc.ca