The Watch - Volunteer

Lethbridge Police Service • Lethbridge, AB

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Watch Program is a volunteer-based initiative of Lethbridge Police Service with the objective of enhancing the community as a safe and friendly place for everyone to live, work, shop and enjoy, through social outreach, connection and intervention. Members of The Watch manage a range of issues and events that historically involved police intervention, but in reality, are not part of core police functions and most do not require police intervention. Under the supervision of an employee Team Lead, volunteers of The Watch patrol the downtown area on foot providing directions, first aid, tourist information and whatever assistance they can that is required by whomever is in need. The Watch acts as the eyes and ears of social and community services agencies and our emergency service providers.

Requirements

• Be 18 years of age or older
• Be able to follow written and verbal instructions
• Attend the shifts they commit to
• Provide excellent customer service
• Be enthusiastic, friendly and outgoing with a positive attitude
• Be a good team player who contributes positively to their team
• Be physically fit and able to walk up to several kilometers a day
• Have strong communication skills both oral and written, as well as great interpersonal skills
• Have an awareness and understanding of Indigenous culture and history
• Have an awareness of diverse demographics and cultures within the City of Lethbridge
• Be familiar and knowledgeable of the City of Lethbridge
• Successful candidates will be required to consent to a police security clearance, which includes the voluntary completion and submission of a personal disclosure form (lifestyle questionnaire), criminal and police records check and reference checks.
• Qualified candidates are required to complete and submit an online application before 8:00AM MST on Tuesday August 4, 2026
• Qualified candidates will be required to undergo a Canadian Police Information check, vulnerable sector checks, fingerprinting checks, and reference checks.
• If you were not born in Canada, then one of the government issued identifications you upload must be your Canada Permanent Residency Card or proof of Canadian Citizenship.
• If you have resided outside of Canada for a period of six (6) months or longer within the past 10 years, a police certificate from each country an applicant has resided in during that time must be provided by the applicant at the time of application.
• Canadian Citizens or Canadian Permanent Residents. As an employer, we are unable to sponsor Canadian Work Permits/Visas or Permanent Residence applications at this time.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity in dealing with matters related to mental health and addictions
• Valid CPR and First Aid Certification

Responsibilities

• Be available to volunteer for a minimum of one four-hour shift per month.
• Be able to walk outdoors for an average of up to 10 kilometers during a four-hour volunteer shift.
• Patrol on foot under the direct supervision of a Team Lead providing directions, general assistance, and referrals in the downtown area to business owners and their employees, residents and visitors, as well as the homeless and addicted populations of downtown.
• Provide a layer of non-enforcement safety with a highly visible presence and deterrent to negative behaviors in the downtown.
• Provide for compassionate and empathetic support and community engagement for the marginalized community in assisting them to connect with any needed services and supports.
• Build relationships with everyone you encounter and regularly visit businesses in the work area.
• Offer services and check on the wellbeing of people whom they encounter who appear to be unresponsive and in need of assistance.
• Work to assist all people in the community without involving the police when they are not required.
• Follow direction and assignments from Team Leads and Watch Manager.
• Keep a daily record of all activities witnessed, notify authorities of all criminal or suspicious activities, and submit written reports when requested.
• Complete the entire 24-hour basic training program, which takes place in one week over four successive evenings and a Saturday prior to volunteering with The Watch.
• Participate in all training activities

Benefits

• The Watch Volunteer training/onboarding consists of four (4) three‑hour sessions.
• An additional eight (8) ‑hour First Aid training session is required for those new hires without valid First Aid certification at the time of hire.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed