By Kevin Gilby
CRAIK — Scheduled to coincide with the National Police Week, members of the Craik RCMP Detachment hosted an open house of their barracks in Craik.
Over 200 people passed through the station to learn about victim services, visit with RCMP members from the detachment and district, and witness a police dog training exercise.
Established in 1970, Police Week serves to connect the community with the RCMP as well as increase awareness about the services the RCMP provide.
“It’s an opportunity for us to give back to the communities we police, “ said Sgt. John Ermel. “To build new relationships and foster old ones.”
A barbecue was planned to raise money for Victims Services, a non-profit provincially funded organization that Ermel holds in high regard. The organization exists to help support victims immediately after a crime or tragedy throughout the criminal process.
Until recently, cities of Moose Jaw and Saskatoon, as well as communities served by the Craik detachment were without coverage for Victims Services. Approximately two years ago, the provincial government mandated coverage be provided for all of the province and new regions were created to fulfill that goal.
Attending the barbecue, and representing the newly formed Sask Central Victim Services region based in Martensville, was co-ordinator Sheri Watkins who discussed all of the services provided by the organization. The region, incorporated in 2014, currently only staffs Watkins but she hopes to have a complement of three additional employees as the organization ramps up.
With 14 years exposure to the service’s involvement in helping victims of crime, and three years serving on the board of directors in Regina, Ermel recognizes the importance of the work provided by Victims Services and wanted to help Watkins recruit volunteers and raise necessary funding to help establish the new region.
Among the services provided are victim’s compensation and restitution as well as support for victims and witnesses throughout their involvement with the criminal justice system. It’s a high priority for the organization to aid children/youth and other vulnerable witnesses by preparing them for court appearances, accompanying victims in court, and advocated on victim’s behalf to make the process a less traumatic experience.
While discussing the programs offered, Watkins emphasized the importance of finding dedicated volunteers throughout her region that make it possible. After an RCMP criminal background check, prospects are given an expense paid 40-hour training program before they become active volunteers.
People wishing to volunteer to work with Victims Services are encouraged to obtain an application form at the Craik RCMP detachment office or by phoning Sheri Watkins at 306-361-9111.
Four members of the RCMP Police Dog Training Service were at Craik where the handlers performed training within the community with two police dogs before joining the open house to demonstrate training exercises in front of an impressed crowd.
Ermel said that they “couldn’t do their job fully without them.” The dogs help locate missing people, evidence, and diffuse situations where officers or members of the public are at risk. Dogs are routinely sent in first to flush out or locate aggressive people that may be attempting to hide within dwellings or natural environments.
Craik and District Lions held a homemade pie fundraiser. With approximately 50 pies donated, the Lions were able to raise over $450 towards their 50th anniversary in the community celebration scheduled for July.
In addition to the barbecue, Ermel is also working to increase public presence in other ways. He is organizing a golf tournament with the Davidson firefighters this summer as well as setting up a monetary and recognition award for local students of the three schools served by the detachment who are planning a future career in the Police Sciences or Human Justice fields.