Kingston Police Community Volunteers Celebrate 30 Years!
May 2026 marked a significant milestone for the Kingston Police Community Volunteers (KPCV) as the organization proudly celebrated 30 years of dedicated service to the Kingston community and Kingston Police.
Formed in 1996, the Kingston Police Community Volunteers were created to serve as an additional set of “eyes and ears” within the community. While not sworn police officers, KPCV members work closely alongside Kingston Police in a variety of non-confrontational roles that enhance community safety, support crime prevention initiatives, and strengthen public engagement.
Over the past three decades, the KPCV have become an invaluable part of the Kingston community. Their volunteers assist with community events, public education initiatives, downtown and neighbourhood patrols, missing person searches, crime prevention programs, and support services throughout the city. Their presence at events and in neighbourhoods has become a familiar and welcomed sight for residents and visitors alike.
Today, the organization maintains approximately 56 trained volunteers who collectively contribute thousands of volunteer hours each year. The volunteers are supported by an elected executive and overseen by members of the Kingston Police Community-Oriented Response and Engagement (CORE) Unit.
“The Kingston Police Community Volunteers have made an extraordinary impact on our community over the past 30 years. Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service continue to strengthen the connection between police and the community we serve,” - Chief Adam MacIntosh.
The KPCV’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Community patrols on foot, bicycle, and in marked volunteer vehicles
- Assisting at public events, festivals, parades, and races
- Supporting searches for missing persons and evidence recovery
- Conducting Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) audits for residents and businesses
- Promoting the CAMSafe program to help support investigations through community security camera registration
- Assisting with downtown patrols to enhance public safety and deter crime
- Supporting vulnerable members of the community through programs such as Meals on Wheels deliveries in partnership with VON
In recent years, KPCV volunteers have assisted at numerous community events and initiatives including the Princess Street Promenade, Queen’s University Homecoming and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Remembrance Day ceremonies, the Santa Claus Parade, the Teddy Bear Picnic, Intercultural Festivals, Shop With a Cop, Cram the Cruiser food drives, and the April 2024 solar eclipse event.
The organization has also continued to grow. Following a recent recruitment campaign, 16 new volunteers joined the KPCV in February 2026, helping ensure the organization remains strong and sustainable for years to come.
The KPCV bike patrol team has also expanded its role in recent years, with trained volunteers patrolling local trails and neighbourhoods to provide enhanced visibility and community engagement. In 2025, three new patrol bikes were added to support the growing team.
While volunteers remain strictly non-confrontational and are tasked primarily with observing and reporting, their contribution to public safety and community wellbeing is immeasurable. Their willingness to serve, support police initiatives, and engage positively with the public has earned widespread appreciation throughout the community.
As the Kingston Police Community Volunteers celebrate their 30th anniversary, Kingston Police extend sincere gratitude to every past and present volunteer whose service, dedication, and community spirit have helped make Kingston a safer and stronger community.
