Community members have a chance to meet Mounties in red serge and learn about RCMP careers, policing equipment and more.
Nanaimo RCMP will hold an open house event this Saturday, May 10, from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. outside the detachment on Prideaux Street.
Various displays and interactive booths will be set up where visitors can meet RCMP members who serve in a multitude of roles. The Vancouver Island Emergency Response Team will be there with its tactical armoured vehicle, and RCMP police dog services, traffic services, bike unit, forensics, bomb disposal, underwater recovery team and other personnel will also be on hand.
RCMP mascot Safety Bear will be out giving hugs and high-fives, and Nanaimo RCMP Community Policing volunteers, Cops for Cancer Tour de Rock riders, and Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers representatives are also expected.
RCMP recruiting officers will also be hand for anyone curious about careers in law enforcement.
There will also be popcorn, cotton candy, a barbecue and refreshments.
Reserve Const. Gary O’Brien, Nanaimo RCMP spokesperson, said the event is an opportunity for members of the public to get to know the police on a more personal level and learn more about the tools and skills police use to keep the community and police officers safe.
“It’s really just a chance for us to showcase to the public what we do, what equipment is available to us in our duties and interact with the public on a different level…" he said. "We don’t often get that opportunity."
