Volunteer as an Auxiliary Officer

Volunteering to connect with the community

There is so much that simply couldn’t be done without them.

They are the London Police Service’s auxiliary officers, a complement of nearly fifty citizens from all walks of life who volunteer more than 7,000 hours a year, working alongside sworn officers to provide much needed services to Londoners.

“They allow us to do things we just wouldn’t be able to do,” says Cst. Cathy Fountain, coordinator of the Auxiliary Program for the London Police Service (LPS). “From supplementing our officers in searches for missing people and providing traffic control support during major events, to conducting crime prevention initiatives and giving tours of headquarters, our auxiliary officers have a very important role in this city.”

For Aux. Cst. Cindy Milne-Wren, it was a “great admiration and respect” for police officers instilled by her father that drew her to becoming an auxiliary officer 17 years ago. She was attending the LPS Citizens Academy program when she first learned about the program and applied immediately.

Like most of the LPS auxiliary officers, Aux. Cst. Milne-Wren is in it to give back to the community and for the opportunity to work with police officers. As a social worker, working in a local hospital, she see what happens when people are brought into the emergency but being out on the street gives her the chance to see what happens before that.

Auxiliary officers are a key component when there is a search for a missing person and for Aux. Cst. Milne-Wren, it is one of the most rewarding assignments. “I am excited to be able to help,” she explains. “I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like to be a family looking for a loved one.”

While auxiliaries work with sworn officers, they can be distinguished by a light blue uniform shirt and ‘Auxiliary’ shoulder flash, as well as a black-and-red checker-patterned hat band. There is a competitive selection process that include an interview, physical fitness testing and a detailed background security check. Applicants must commit to serving a minimum of 15 hours a month for two years.

Once selected, they must successfully complete 60 hours of training that includes presentations on everything from the law and use-of-force procedures to drug and major crime investigations.

Scott Bridge, an auxiliary recruit in the current class, wanted something different from his day job as a supply chain manager with a local manufacturing company. “I am very active and this is a good way to see all the aspects of London and to give back to the city,” says the 39-year-old marathon runner, who is looking forward to enhancing his connection to the London community.

A recent experience in a local grocery store reinforced his belief this will be a rewarding endeavour. He happened upon a woman, frantic because she couldn’t find her young son. He was able to calm her enough to get the boy’s name and have an announcement made in the store.

Then, thinking like a four-year-old, he headed to the toy section. Bridge soon located the boy and brought him back to his mom. “That good feeling is what I hope will come from this,” he reflected.

If Aux. Cst. Milne-Wren’s experience is any indication, that hope will come true.

“It really is a privilege,” she says. “It’s been a very important part of my life and I am very thankful for it.”