By Joanne Oostveen - The Weekly News
A 23-year-old Lawrencetown man will appear in court next month on charges of break and enter and possession of break in tools, thanks to the dedicated work of two volunteers with Halifax Regional Police's Burnside Patrol.
"What happened is that two volunteers working the Burnside Patrol came across a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of Ilsley Ave.," said HRP public information officer Const. Brian Palmeter.
"While they were checking the vehicle they saw someone running from the area. When patrol officers responded they were able to arrest a man a short distance away. Officers had determined that a secure compound had been entered and wheels from a vehicle had been removed."
One of the volunteers has been with the Burnside Watch for over four years, while the other has put in more than 15 years.
Halifax Regional Police considers volunteers to be an important part of the success in the prevention of crime, said Sherry Burns, coordinator of volunteer programs.
"These citizens care for their community and take an active role in making it a safer place for all residents," she said.
Palmeter said volunteers often go unrecognized, but their knowledge of the area and quick thinking were instrumental to the success of this case. And they are always looking for new applicants to their volunteer programs.
The Burnside Watch Patrol is only one way the public can get involved as volunteers with the Halifax Regional Police.
"In addition to the 12 volunteers with the Burnside Watch, HRP also has over has 125 volunteers working with Citizens on Patrol, Victim Services and the Youth Program," said Burns. "All volunteers receive initial training relevant to their positions and also ongoing training throughout the year. Burnside Watch members, for example, would receive training on policy and procedures, observation, note taking, report writing and radio usage."
As a Burnside Watch volunteer you must be able to complete a minimum four-hour shift a week, observe activity and take notes, report suspicious activity to police, assist in emergency situations when requested by police and attend group meetings and training seminars.
Volunteers do not carry unauthorized weapons, put themselves in danger or take enforcement action.
The Citizens on Patrol volunteer group is also essential to the prevention of crime, said Burns. These volunteers work in pairs in their own vehicles to patrol the community and make the police aware of any suspicious activity.
Burns said that volunteers often say they enjoy the exposure to policing and the ability to help out in their communities.
"Volunteers have to be 19 years of age or older, hold a valid Nova Scotia driver's license, registration and insurance, pass HRP security clearances, be a mature, reliable team player and are able to make a minimum one year commitment of at least four hours per week," she said.
HRP also runs a group for youth aged 14 to19 years who wish to build leadership skills and take an active role in their community. The group meets once a week in Dartmouth.
HRP honours their volunteers every year at a special dinner, said Burns.
"The event is well attended by HRP staff, both management and non-management, who come to celebrate the success and dedication of those who volunteer with our organization," said Burns. "Anyone interested in volunteering can call 490-6976."
joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca
