Victim Service Program
Our objective is to assist Chinese speaking victims of crime by offering assistance, counselling, support and referral to other agencies if necessary.
Chinese speaking people often find it difficult to seek help when they become victims of crime because they speak little or no English and this is where we can help. Our centre acts as the first line of contact with the victim, either in person or on the telephone. We provide short term emotional support specific to the victims' circumstances and make referrals to other support agencies and resources if appropriate. We assist with the preparation of victim impact statements and police reports, providing translation and interpretation where necessary to facilitate interaction with the police, crown counsel and others. If required, we will also accompany victims to meetings with crown counsel and to court appearances. Our staff and volunteers are specially trained and undergo criminal record checks so that victims can be comfortable providing information knowing that it is confidential. We pay special attention to the needs of women who are victims of domestic violence or assault and who may be at risk. |
|
Citizens' Report Program
We help people complete Vancouver Police Department Citizen's Reports so that they can obtain an incident number for insurance purposes, such as ICBC, home owner's insurance claims etc. We will assist in completing crime reports for such things as assault, family violence, child abuse, theft, extortion and minor traffic accidents. This service covers non emergency situations only.
Where immediate police or emergency assistance is required people should call 911 directly. |
|
Translation and Interpretation Program
One way that we assist the police in their dealings with Chinese speaking people is when an officer requires immediate translation in the field, and we can do this by telephone. Where an officer takes a crime report in Chinese we can translate it into English for them. We can take crime reports from victims in Chinese and translate into English for submission to the police. In case of need we can also accompany Chinese speaking people to court and to meetings with court officials. |
|
Community Outreach Programs
The Chinese Community Policing Centre is justly proud of its community outreach programs. The goal of these programs is to provide information on all matters relating to safety and security so that people can be proactive in preventing crime in their homes, their businesses and on the street. Programs are developed in partnership with other community associations and groups or in response to needs determined through community workshops. We revise and update these programs regularly based on input from the community and comments received from our staff and volunteers. For upcoming program events please refer to our event calendar. |
|
 Chinatown Watch (Foot/Bike Patrol)
Our foot and bike patrols, which started in 2000, are the eyes and ears of the Vancouver Police Department in the Chinatown area. Their presence on the streets, in lanes and parking lots is a visual deterrent to many crimes. Working with handheld computers programmed by ICBC our patrols check suspicious looking vehicles and have successfully located a large number of stolen cars. They also visit parking lots on a regular basis and hand out information and leaflets on how to avoid auto related crime. Our volunteers regularly speak with visitors to remind them to leave nothing visible in their car and to lock valuables in the trunk. While avoiding direct involvement, they are also able to summon immediate police assistance when required. Although we have a core group of volunteers who are active in this program, we are always looking for new volunteers to expand the number of patrols. If you enjoy cycling, fresh air and generally, an active lifestyle please check the volunteer section of our site to see how you can become involved. |
Neighbours First (Foot Patrol) Program
Neighbours First is a community program serving the Chinatown area and consists of uniformed volunteers patrolling on foot and providing directions and safety information to visitors. They are goodwill ambassadors working hard to make the visitors' experience in Chinatown a memorable one. Our volunteers undergo many hours of training focussed on interpersonal relations, the history of Chinatown, local attractions, public safety, first aid, CPR etc. If you enjoy meeting people and want to learn more about the history and attractions of Chinatown, this may be a group of people you might want to join. Please check out our volunteer section for more information on how you can get involved. |
|
Graffiti Removal Program
We have had a graffiti removal program for several years and from time to time, as the need arises, we organize a group of volunteers to cover graffiti with paint donated by local businesses. We also seek permission from property owners in graffiti hotspots to have students paint murals as deterrents to future defacing. |
|
Kare4kids
Our Kare4kids program is designed to promote and educate on all matters related to safety for kids. Some of the topics that are covered in the workshops are internet safety, bullying, general safety, and various other topics. Our workshops for kids are designed to be educational yet interactive and engaging so that information is retained. We also recognize that parents are integral in the formula of safety for their kids, thus, we have workshops available for parents. These workshops will provide parents with information that will help them identify potential problems, solutions and preventative measures. |
|
Child Find (ID) Program
This is a program whereby parents can have their child's photograph taken and identifying details listed in a standardised format that can be handed to the police in the unlikely event the child should ever go missing. Each year we set up a booth for this purpose at the Chinese New Years Fair and at our annual fundraising barbecue. However, parents wishing to take part in the program at other times can call us and make arrangements to bring their child to our centre. |
|
Block Watch
Coming soon!
This is a cooperative effort amongst neighbours to help reduce crime. We act as facilitators by providing information, application forms etc. and arranging criminal record checks on the captain and co-captain. Training will be provided at our centre. |
|
Speed Watch
Speed Watch is an educational program aimed at reducing incidents of speeding. It is designed to raise public awareness of the actual speeds drivers are travelling. The Speed Watch program is conducted in partnership with the police, citizen volunteers and ICBC. Speed Watch checks are operated by volunteers trained by the police. Using portable radar equipment and an electronic digital board, volunteers monitor speeds in neighbourhoods, particularly school and playground zones. Drivers get an instant readout of their speed, displayed on a "readerboard" as they pass by. Volunteers pass information about problem speeding locations to the police. Speed Watch helps address traffic and speeding problems through:
public and community awareness
neighbourhood action
gathering speed-related data
police awareness |
|
ESL School Safety
We have recruited volunteers from various cultural backgrounds who enjoy public speaking to go to ESL schools and speak with students. The volunteers will be accompanied by our coordinator, and sometimes our neighbourhood police officer, to speak about general safety issues and also address cultural differences. Students will be encouraged to ask questions and to share what they have learned with their friends on a peer to peer basis. |
|
Seniors Safe at Home
We recognize that personal safety is a major issue for seniors. Our goal is to improve home and personal safety for this very vulnerable group. Using specially trained volunteers, fluent in Chinese and attuned to the unique problems facing seniors, the program offers safety talks at seniors' centres and seniors' homes as well as home safety audits designed to identify potential safety problems and offer solutions. We encourage active seniors to become volunteer captains and help us to deliver the program. |
|
|
