Hamilton police looking for crisis intervention volunteers

Hamilton police have launched a recruitment campaign to find volunteers to help with crisis intervention.

Hamilton Police’s Victim Services Branch needs volunteers who can give practical aid, emotional comfort, and connections to people affected by crime or tragedy, including child abuse, crimes against seniors, domestic violence, or sexual assault.

The victim services branch is staffed during business hours, but it relies on volunteers after hours, on weekends, and on holidays.

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It doesn’t matter your background; all volunteers get training.

“We make sure that we have a lot of guest speakers come in, we have investigators from Hamilton police come in and talk about how they have utilized victim services in the past,” Rachel Cooper with Hamilton Police Services said.

“We do a lot of roleplay, telephone practicum, so you are learning and then you’re able to apply those skills right away, and we do that for 13 sessions.”

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Volunteer Jillian Feener said it can be a very rewarding experience.

“Not only do you get the benefit of knowing that you’ve, hopefully, impacted someone positively in what can be a very low moment of their life, but you grow from it as well,” Feener said.

“So, every time you interact with someone going through a tough situation, and you’re able to provide some assistance, I think your heart grows a bit, your mind grows a bit, you become a better person.”

Volunteers must take a minimum of four shifts a month, which are anywhere from seven and a half to eight and a half hours. There are a few other requirements.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact vsbrecruiting@hamiltonpolice.ca, call 905-546-4904, or click here.