Community Safety Award
Though she described herself as an army of one, Const. Heather Hall, the mental health coordinator at the Richmond RCMP detachment, covers a lot of ground.
Her success is rooted in her ability to cultivate meaningful relationships in the community — one of the reasons she was this year’s recipients of the Community Safety Award.
One of Hall’s major successes has been the relationship established between the Richmond RCMP and Richmond General Hospital, which has been cited as a best practice by the RCMP and is a model that other jurisdictions are adopting.
Hall is also active on the Pathways Clubhouse Board of Directors; a facility which offers hope and encouragement to people whose lives have been impacted by mental illness.
Hall’s efforts have helped to reduce calls for service and improved the quality of investigations and service delivery, and she has made a positive difference in the lives of many individuals who are challenged by mental health issues and her efforts have enhanced overall safety for Richmond residents.
Hall said she was truly honoured to be this year’s award winner for a job she considers to be an advocate for the most vulnerable individuals in our society.
“Many of these people are in crisis, some just need a little extra support,” she said.
Hall added that when she conducts mental health training for police officers, she tells them, “that these are the calls, that truly matter.
“And it’s our privilege to help these people in their lowest moments. That’s what first responders do; they help people.”
Hall characterized Richmond as a safe, compassionate and caring community thanks to a number of agencies whose role it is to deal with those having mental illness challenges.
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