From Corrections to Community: Melissa Scherrens on Volunteering & Crime Prevention with Saanich Police

Volunteer Victoria’s Volunteer Matters podcast interviews Melissa Scherrens, Coordinator of Volunteers and Crime Prevention Programs with the Saanich Police Department. Melissa shares her career path from a criminal justice policing diploma to working as a correctional peace officer, a Calgary Transit peace officer, and appearing on Undercover Boss Canada, which led to an NYPD internship and multiple return visits. After moving to Vancouver Island in 2017, she worked as a community liaison officer, then as a bylaw officer, before joining Saanich Police in early 2024. She explains how volunteers support community engagement and education through programs like Block Watch, ICBC road safety initiatives (speed watch, cell watch, lockout auto crime), Safe Place, and charity events, noting growth to 30 crime prevention volunteers and thousands of hours contributed. Melissa discusses why volunteering matters, how it can lead to policing careers, and ways she recognizes volunteers year-round.

00:00 Podcast Welcome

00:52 Melissa Career Journey

01:54 Corrections To Transit

04:10 Undercover Boss Story

06:38 NYPD Internship Highlights

08:53 Volunteering Roots

10:03 Moving To The Island

11:43 Why Policing Matters

13:55 Modern Policing Challenges

16:51 Crime Prevention Volunteers

18:02 Block Watch Explained

19:20 Road Safety Initiatives

20:56 Volunteer Growth Numbers

22:09 Community Programs In Action

23:55 Requesting Event Support

25:13 Volunteering Into Policing

27:23 Why Volunteer At All

32:23 Recognizing Volunteers Well

35:45 Rapid Fire Fun Questions

40:39 Closing Thanks And Wrap