WHITEHORSE, December 6, 2013 - Last night, 19 volunteer RCMP Auxiliary constables were recognized for their roles in supporting policing and community safety in the Yukon. The auxiliary constables were honoured at a banquet celebrating the 50th anniversary of the RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program in Canada.
"Through this program, specially trained volunteers from our communities assist and support regular police members with delivering the territorial police service," Minister of Justice Mike Nixon said.
Under the supervision of an RCMP member, auxiliary constables participate in RCMP supported community events and programs, which can range from crime prevention initiatives within schools, traffic control, foot and bicycle patrols, festivals, search and rescue, to parades and other ceremonial events. In the Yukon, the program was initiated in June 1994, and now falls under the Auxiliary Police Act which was established in 1998.
"These men and women dedicate countless hours to their communities and to the detachments they support," Nixon added.
The RCMP Auxiliary Constable Program held its first training session in the Yukon in October 1994 and will be celebrating its nineteenth anniversary next year. A total of 19 auxiliary volunteers currently serve in Whitehorse, Carmacks and Dawson City.
"These dedicated volunteers are bridge builders between police and the community and they are an incredible asset. They bring a wealth of information, local knowledge and assistance to police operations," Chief Superintendent Peter Clark, Commanding Officer of RCMP "M" Division said. "Yukon RCMP appreciates the Justice minister's ongoing support to grow this important program and recognize the dedicated individuals who volunteer so much time to support community safety across the territory."
