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Why I called
the police |
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Why I Called The Police: A
Volunteer's Story
 After
retiring from a marketing/advertising career at a
relatively young age (48), I spent the next 18 years
traveling, consulting, boating and helping my wife
renovate houses (She was Mike Holmes; I was the
gofer).
In
2004, at age 66, I thought “What’s next?” Golf and
gardening weren’t options. I hate them both. I
didn’t want a job… but something interesting to do.
I concluded, “Maybe I’ll volunteer somewhere. Isn’t
that what retirees are supposed to do?”
In
return for my time and energy, I wanted a volunteer
position that was part-time, challenging and would
ideally make use of my business experience. Selfish?
Not really. A good deal is good for both parties.
I
searched Internet sites and read newspaper
advertisements. Nothing appealed. Then my daughter
Renee, a Crime Watch volunteer with the Victoria
Police Department, said: “Call the Police. They’re
looking for more volunteers”.
Knowing a little about her duties and having
devoured countless mystery and police procedural
novels, I realized that this could be the right fit.
Following an interview and a Criminal Record Check,
I was “hired”.
The
Victoria Police Crime Watch personnel execute a wide
range of duties: ICBC-sponsored Speed Watch and Lock
Out Auto Crime programs, foot/bike/van patrols,
community/business research projects and other
focused crime prevention campaigns.
I
was able to use my marketing experience to create
and manage a number of new initiatives including a
comprehensive Anti-Bike Theft campaign and a
counterfeit currency business education program.
It
was a blast! The required 16 hours/month soon became
60-70 hours. Not because I had to…I wanted to! I’ve
served for over two years now.
The
people are great too. Lots of laughs. The Crime
Watch volunteers vary in age and experience from
Camosun College/UVic students to active Navy
personnel, retired Police Officers and other
seniors.
The
Sworn Officers are very welcoming and appreciative
of the volunteers’ efforts. The Department sponsors
several social events each year, including an annual
gala Volunteer Dinner, to thank us.
As a
Crime Watch volunteer, you control your own
involvement. It can be restricted to a 4 hour weekly
shift or you can create and assume increased
responsibilities. The size and location of the
Police volunteer program doesn’t matter. It’s what
you make of the opportunity.
Take
my daughter’s advice: “Call the Police”. You won't
regret it!
John
Arnold
Volunteer
Victoria Police Department
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Courtesy
ICBC. All rights reserved. |
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Saluting our
Volunteers! |
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"ICBC's investment in road safety includes the
support of volunteer based programs like "Citizens
on Patrol" and "Speed Watch." These programs, and
others, can make a significant impact in communities
by helping to reduce auto crime and unsafe speed.
The success of these initiatives is due, in no small
part, to the dedication of hundreds of volunteers
across Vancouver Island, Gulf Islands and Powell
River. In a salute to the wonderful work of our
volunteers, we have asked a few of them to describe
their experiences and motivation in their own
words." |
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