By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

LPS Recruiting Volunteer Crisis Support Workers

Sep 28, 2016 | 7:49 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Those looking to gain experience in social support and criminology are being encouraged to volunteer with Lethbridge Police Victim and Witness Services.

Lethbridge Police Services will be hosting an information session on Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. at the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization for anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Crisis Support Worker.

Darcie James, Manager for Victim Witness Services, said the program works to close the gaps that occur during the criminal justice process.

“The importance of the program is that a lot of times those who suffer from crime or tragedy then suffer from PTSD. By giving victims information and knowledge early on, they are mentally healthier moving forward.”

Victim services volunteers provide 24/7 emotional and practical support for victims and witnesses of crimes or tragedy, helping them to transition from victim to survivor.

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Volunteer Crisis Support Workers serve as a central information point for those who have been victimized, providing updates on the status of an investigation or court case, requests for restitution, referrals to counseling services and more.

Volunteers must be a minimum of 18 years of age, complete an application form, undergo a criminal record check and reference checks, hold a valid driver’s license, be willing to commit to the program uninterrupted for two years and participate in job shadowing. Applicants will then undergo an interview before being accepted in the training program.

Successful candidates are provided with more than 100 hours of comprehensive training covering a variety of areas including general police procedures, suicide awareness, domestic violence, sexual assault, bereavement, organized crime and the criminal justice system.

Funding for the program comes from 15 per-cent of surcharges that offenders are given at the time of sentencing through the court process. Alternatively, 15 per-cent of any provincial ticket that an individual is issued throughout the province of Alberta goes towards support Victim and Witness Services.