Having dealt with tragedy this month, the West Shore RCMP are eager to open their doors to the public and give thanks for the support they’ve received with a fun event for the community.
The local detachment kicks off national police week by hosting an open house for West Shore residents tomorrow (May 7) from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
“This is an event particularly sought by young children who get to witness firsthand how different police units work, such as a police dog, the Emergency Response Team and much more,” said Const. Alex Berube, the detachment’s media relations officer. “This is also a great opportunity to meet with the communities we serve and exchange with them on a casual level.”
In the past this event has attracted hundreds of visitors and once again it will feature a number of displays and demonstrations. The agenda includes opportunities to see an RCMP police dog in action, experience the “distracted walking” simulator, watch an explosives disposal unit’s bomb robot show off what it can do, as well as other activities.
“Our open house is our detachment’s opportunity to welcome the communities we service and give the residents a chance to see what we do on a daily basis,” said Staff Sgt. Steve Wright, acting Officer-in-Charge of West Shore Detachment, in a release.
“This opportunity has become even more important to us since the tragic passing of Const. Sarah Beckett. The outpouring of support from the communities we serve was amazing and we see our open house as a chance to open our doors and say ‘thank you’ to those who supported us.”
The local detachment serves all five West Shore municipalities as well as the Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations. There are roughly 64 RCMP members and 20 civilian employees stationed on Atkins Avenue, serving a combined population of more than 72,000.
There is also a dedicated team of roughly 70 volunteers who provide services such as the Auxiliary Constable Program, the Keep in Touch (KIT) program, Speed Watch, Restorative Justice and Greater Victoria Police Victim Services.
Berube noted those volunteers offer an invaluable service to our communities and the detachment.
katie@goldstreamgazette.com