Dear Editor:
Thank you for your article on the inspiring work of volunteers with our policing partners in North Vancouver. Dedicated volunteers are a true community asset and contribute enormously to our North Shore quality of life. West Vancouver Police have appreciated your excellent coverage of our own volunteer programs, including Brent Richter's report on our Victim Services program. (North Shore News, June 16, 2013). We share a concern raised by many of our volunteers over the impression possibly left through a statement in your article, "West Vancouver does not have an RCMP detachment, and so is not involved in these particular programs."
As we prepare to mark 102 years of service by West Vancouver Police, we'd like to take the opportunity to point out our volunteers are very involved with a wide range of programs, including Victim Services, Speed Watch, Graffiti Watch, Theft from Auto Watch, and our Student Work & Advisory Team (SWAT). West Vancouver Police
Business Watch has enjoyed support of approximately 200 local businesses for over a decade, and like North Vancouver, we are well served by thousands of residents who support and participate in Block Watch. Thousands of hours of excellent work is provided each year by our more than 85 direct community volunteers, who range from Grade 8 students to devoted citizens energetically serving well into their 80s. Their community service is inspiring and deeply appreciated.
We invite anyone considering volunteer opportunities to visit our website at http://wvpd. ca/become-involved.
Const. Jeff Palmer, Communications Officer
West Vancouver Police
