Crime Stoppers purchases trauma bears for RCMP detachments

Nanaimo, Lake Cowichan, Port Alberni, Oceanside, Gabriola, Ucluelet, Tofino, Salt Spring Island, North Cowichan/Duncan, Shawnigan Lake, Ladysmith, Crime Stoppers Services

2024-01-29 13:37 PST

File # 2024

 It’s amazing that how something so small can have such a significant impact, said R/Cst Gary O’Brien, commenting on the recent purchase of over 700 trauma bears by the local detachment. The bears will be distributed to front line police vehicles at the local detachment, and used to assist officers in calming youth who may have witnessed or experienced trauma and to assist in the interview process.

The purchase of the bears was made possible by Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers who saw the value in the purchase after being approached by a civilian employee of the Nanaimo detachment. The majority of the bears are earmarked for the Nanaimo detachment while the remaining will be distributed by Crime Stoppers volunteers, to the ten RCMP detachments located throughout central Vancouver Island.

Having worked the front line for many years, I have seen firsthand the impact these bears can have. They are a tried and proven calming mechanism for young children who may be traumatized or simply overwhelmed when speaking with a police officer, said O’Brien.

The Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers services central Vancouver Island and disseminates tips to the following RCMP detachments: Ladysmith, Oceanside, Port Alberni, Tofino, Ucluelet, Lake Cowichan, North Cowichan, Shawnigan Lake, Salt Spring Island and Gabriola Island. To submit a tip to Crime Stoppers call 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online to https://cvicrimestoppers.com. 

Released by

R/Cst Gary O'Brien

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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