Royal Canadian Mounted Police Programs & Services
Introduction
When RCMP members arrive at the scene of a crime, victims are there, waiting for reassurance, information, and support. Although victims are most certainly a priority, the officers must focus on investigating the crime. This is when Victim Services units step in.
These volunteers are handing out sleeping bags and food during emergency evacuations. They arrive with blankets and teddy bears for children after house fires. They are called out at any time of night after police members responded to a robbery, if only to hold a hand while waiting for the victim's family.
In Alberta, there are approximately 1,150 volunteers working with RCMP-based Victim Services units. These volunteers collectively spend thousands of hours with victims of crime and tragedy, providing support, information, referrals, and assistance. There are 68 associations/ societies serving 96 RCMP detachments in Alberta. Although most victims who are provided assistance are adults, a significant number are children. More than half of new incidents involve assisting victims of violent crimes.
Family Violence
Family violence encompasses many subject areas which police members must be familiar with in order to conduct thorough and quality investigations. It is very clear that a collaborative effort of agencies and government departments is necessary in order to properly address the issue of Family Violence.
The goal for K Division is to have a consistent and thorough approach to investigations of family violence and to protect victims of family violence and to prevent its reoccurrence. This can be achieved through a collaborative approach and a positive, co-operative working relationship between the RCMP and its community and provincial partners.
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