Medicine Hat Police Service seeks victim services volunteers

bwagner@medicinehatnews.com The Medicine Hat Police Service is looking for new volunteers for the Victim Assistance Unit, to offer hands on assistance during the vital early hours following a crisis or crime. The unit currently has about 20 volunteers and hopes to grow that number to 30 or 40, said Victim Assistance Program Manager Petra Pfeiffer. The post Medicine Hat Police Service seeks victim services volunteers appeared first on Medicine Hat News .

Medicine Hat Police Service seeks victim services volunteers By Brook Wagner on July 17, 2026. PHOTO COURTESY MEDICINE HAT POLICE SERVICE Athena and Glory, service dogs with the Medicine Hat PolIce Service Victim Assistance Unit, help victims and witnesses stay calm through court and interviews. The unit is recruiting volunteers until Aug. 31.

bwagner@medicinehatnews.com The Medicine Hat Police Service is looking for new volunteers for the Victim Assistance Unit, to offer hands on assistance during the vital early hours following a crisis or crime. The unit currently has about 20 volunteers and hopes to grow that number to 30 or 40, said Victim Assistance Program Manager Petra Pfeiffer.

She told the News, “the increase doesn’t have to be all at once,”. Pfeiffer also says every application matters and they’ve already had some people apply. When police call a volunteer out, the work depends on each situation.

Pfeiffer says volunteers give, “emotional and practical assistance,” until victims can lean on their own, “natural support”, such as family. Almost anyone can do the job, Pfeiffer says. “We’re not looking for specific schooling,” she said.

Volunteers don’t need a certain work history, but Pfeiffer says what they do need is empathy and willingness to learn. She says they also need some computer skills, because the unit documents every interaction. To apply a person must be 18 or older and hold a valid Alberta Class 5 drivers license.

Volunteers must finish extensive online and in house training, along with passing a police security clearance. They must also be available for at least three 12-hour, call-out shifts each month, as well as two hours a week in the office. The training takes time.

Pfeiffer says an online course is required by the province of Alberta. Volunteers will learn about trauma-informed care and have four two-hour, in-house training sessions. After that, they shadow an experienced volunteer until they feel ready.

Volunteers share information about the justice system, court dates and court outcomes. They also help victims with Victim Impact Statements, restitution requests, the Victim of Crime Assistance program and help refer people to other services. The unit does not provide counselling.

The unit stays busy, Pfeiffer says. It helps victims of assaults, domestic and sexual violence, break-ins and sudden deaths. In 2025 it carried more than 600 active files and opened 1,199 new files, the News reported in April.

Its volunteers donated 13,207 hours that year. The unit also uses two service dogs, Athena and Glory. Pfeiffer says their, “calming presence allows the witness to open up.”

People can apply online at mhps.ca or pick up a form at the police service. For more details, contact Pfeiffer at 403-529-8480. The deadline to apply is August 31. 13 -12