Volunteer Positions
Please Note we are not accepting applications for volunteers at this time
Ace Mascot Program
Ace is the official mascot of the Saanich Police Department. The Ace program exists to promote public connection with the Saanich Police Department as well as encourage interest in our events and programs. Ace is also a goodwill ambassador who attends public events in Saanich and within the Greater Victoria region.
A minimum one (1) year volunteer commitment is required.
Function
Ace Team members will be assigned to different events by the volunteer event coordinator. Ace Team members will then be responsible for attending the event and representing the Saanich Police Department by adhering to the Ace Mascot training guide and the Volunteer Policy Manual.
The Ace Mascot is always accompanied by a volunteer handler. The volunteer handler position also has its own manual and guidelines. Other volunteer handler roles may be more duty specific including:
- Event Coordinator
- Social media posts
A minimum one year volunteer commitment is required.
Duties
The Ace mascot volunteer will:
- Be on time and leave enough time to retrieve the costume, dress and be at an event at the requested time
- Adhere strictly to the Ace Mascot guide with regards to behaviour and rules outlined within
- Ensure that all guidelines for their own health and safety are observed – i.e. not staying in the costume too long without a break
- Alert the Coordinator of Volunteers of any occurrence that may have taken place at an event that could lead to further actions or require action
- Ensure the Ace costume is put back properly and securely in accordance with the Ace manual
- Send a report to the Coordinator of Volunteers about the event that can then be placed in Ace’s file to maintain a record of deployment
- Respond to the Event Coordinator in a timely fashion
- Have a lot of fun
Ace’s Handler will:
- Be on time and leave enough time to retrieve the costume, assist in the dressing and be at an event at the requested time
- Respond to the Event Coordinator in a timely fashion
- Make handling Ace the priority, do NOT look at phones, engage in conversations outside of Ace duties or walk away and leave Ace alone
- Ensure that all guidelines for Ace’s health and safety are followed. Ensure Ace does not fall downstairs, trip over small children, etc
- Ensure that the Ace Mascot handler guidelines are followed strictly
- Ensure that the costume is put back correctly and securely in accordance with the Ace Manual
- Look for people who may want to approach Ace but are afraid to, and likewise, steer Ace away from people who may be distressed by him
- Have fun and smile
Qualifications
- Minimum age 16 years old
- Interested in and committed to promoting a positive image for the Saanich Police Department
- Enthusiastic and community minded.
- Able to work respectfully and collaboratively with other volunteers and members of the public
- Criminal Record Check required (no fee)
- Maintain confidentiality
- Adherence to the policy and procedures manual
- Sense of humour
Community Safety Office Volunteer
The Community Safety Office located at the Uptown Shopping Centre creates opportunities for service oriented community members to become more involved and engaged as volunteers in community and prevention programming. This is a community office, run by the community, and for the benefit of the community. Overseen by the Coordinator of Volunteers, the Community Safety Office delivers current core programming including Block Watch, Speed Watch, Cell Watch, Lock Out Auto Crime, Saanich Police “Ace” Mascot Program, Student Volunteers and Crime Prevention workers. The office provides a broad spectrum of information with respect to crime reduction and prevention programs including information and tips about fraud prevention, elder abuse, victims of crime programs, cyber-crime, cyber-bullying, home security, pedestrian, and bike safety.
The Community Safety Office presents a great opportunity for anyone who may be considering a career in policing, retirees looking for opportunities to give back, or new Canadians wishing to meet others and gain work experience. Training and support will be provided.
A minimum one year volunteer commitment is required.
Function
Community Safety Office Volunteers will assist the general public by sharing information and connecting people to community resources and partners. The Community Safety Office volunteer represents the Saanich Police Department by being welcoming, warm, friendly and adhering to the Saanich Police Mission Statement and Volunteer Policy Manual. Community Safety Office Volunteers are asked to work at least one four-hour shift per week unless otherwise arranged with the Coordinator of Volunteers. All volunteers are required to complete initial training as well as a criminal record check.
Other roles may be more duty specific including:
- Event Coordinator
- Social media posts
A minimum one year volunteer commitment is required.
Duties
- Become familiar with the community policing programs, activities and related resource material
- Assist the general public by responding to telephone and front counter inquiries
- Take an active role in problem-solving activities
- Work cooperatively with the Coordinator of Volunteers, other members of the Saanich Police and other volunteers
- Maintain confidentiality
- Use good judgement
- Behave in a manner which reflects positively on the Saanich Police Department
- Adhere to a dress code
- Treat all people with compassion, respect, and dignity in all circumstances
- Show initiative and meet challenges to the best of your ability
- Perform other related office duties as required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Interested in and committed to promoting a positive image of the Saanich Police Department
- Mature and reliable
- Self-starter, requiring minimal supervision
- Possess good communication, interpersonal, organizational and written skills
- Ability to make sound, rational decisions based on information provided
- Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy
- Ability to take direction and complete assigned tasks
- Ability to cope with stressful situations
- Ability to work respectfully and collaboratively with other volunteers
Qualifications
- 19 years of age or older at the time of application
- Commit to a minimum of one year of service. Provide at least four hours per week and be able to attend all training sessions and meetings
- Hold a valid BC Driver’s Licence (required only if interested in programs that require the use of the Community Policing vehicle)
- Have and maintain a clean driving record for the past five years (see above)
- Must not be under investigation by any police agency
- Consent to a criminal record check (no fee) and background check
- Take an Oath of Confidentiality
- Proficient verbal and written English communication skills
- Be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
- Adhere to the volunteer policy and procedures manual
Please Note
Before you complete the application form please ensure you have all required documents ready to upload.
Apply for the Saanich Police Ace Mascot Program or the Community Safety Office
Please download, complete, and submit the following forms. To access the forms you will need to have Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Acrobat Pro installed on your computer.
If you are successful in your application, you will be invited to the next stage of the recruiting process.
Application packages MUST include the following:
- Saanich Police Volunteer Application Waiver
- Authorization for Release of Information
For tips on how to complete and submit a document electronically, see our FAQ page.
Forms
Download Files
Saanich Police Volunteer Application Waiver
Authorization for Release of Information Form
Applicant Checklist
Completed Forms
Please Note we are not accepting applications for volunteers at this time. Forms will be available below when we are accepting applications for these positions.
