The Victim Services Branch is an international, national and provincial award-winning Branch of the Hamilton Police Service. These awards have been earned because of the Victim Services Branch’s continued dedication to victims of crime and/or circumstance. The Branch is comprised of three civilian staff members and approximately 80 volunteers. Our volunteers provide coverage to victims of crime and/or circumstance when the civilian staff members are not on duty.
What does a Victim Services volunteer do?
Our volunteers have a very important role in providing emotional support for victims of crime and/or circumstance. We are not requesting professional counselors. We are requesting that our volunteers are excellent listeners, compassionate and empathetic.
Volunteers are dispatched to provide service for a variety of circumstances. These calls include but are not limited to sudden death, suicide, motor vehicle accidents, domestic violence, sexual assaults and fire scenes. Our volunteers respond to victims of crime and/or circumstance. Click here for more information.
Will I be trained?
The Victim Services Branch trains new recruit volunteers annually. The training sessions commence in January of every year and run for 12 consecutive weeks. The training course teaches volunteers how to handle delicate crime related situations and allows the volunteer to become familiar with working with victims of crime and/or circumstance.
What qualifications do I need to volunteer?
In order to volunteer with the Victim Services Branch, volunteer candidates must
- be a minimum of 21 years of age
- have a valid drivers license (desirable but not mandatory)
- available for a minimum of four 8 hour shifts per month
- interested in assisting victims of crime and/or circumstance in the City of Hamilton
Volunteers are required to complete the mandatory 12-week training program and must commit to a minimum of one-year volunteer service.
The Victim Services Branch is always accepting applications for volunteer positions from people with strong listening skills, compassion, a desire to give back to the community in which you live and a willingness to provide professional intervention within the policies and procedures of the Hamilton Police Service.
How do I apply?
Potential volunteers are encouraged to call the Victim Services Branch office at 905-546-4904 Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. and ask to speak with Brenda. There will be a brief telephone interview prior to an application being mailed. This will be followed by a personal interview and a police background check.
Volunteers are an important part of the Hamilton Police Service as indicated in our Values and Ethics statement “In recognizing the commitment, contribution and importance of all our members, volunteers and community partners”.