Lethbridge Police Service has opened its yearly intake for volunteer crisis support workers, who help victims of crime in Lethbridge. Volunteers have provided support for more than 30 years, responding to emergency scenes, offering follow-up trauma care and preparing clients for court, among other duties.

The volunteers help the police provide support around the clock. Victim/witness services unit manager Cat Pooley said the work can suit people considering policing or counselling, as well as those who want to serve their community.

“If you’re looking to be a future police officer, this is experience you can get nowhere else. If you’re thinking you want to be a counsellor, the opportunity to sit in grief and trauma with someone is an opportunity to really stretch your wings a little and see if this is the right fit for you,” Pooley said.

“We have a lot of folks, too, that just want to give back to their community. They’re not looking necessarily to gain something from it, they just want to be able to be there for someone when needed, so we make sure that they’re well-trained to be able to do any of that kind of work,” she said.

Applicants must be 18 or older and have a clear criminal record. Applications can be submitted online.

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary.