Vulnerable Sector Unit
"We help those who have been overlooked."
The Vulnerable Sector Unit (VSU) investigates all crimes committed by, or against, vulnerable people, including frauds, neglect and physical abuse, abuse of the power of attorney, and sexual assaults or other major violent crimes. They deal directly with vulnerable people, building trusting relationships, and also work to connect those individuals with a variety of community supports.
A person is considered “vulnerable” due to several factors, such as: being above or below the age of majority (generally children and the elderly, but they can be any age), having mental health disorders, mental health decline such as dementia, diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and/or deteriorating mental health due to a drug dependency.
VSU Detectives work closely with a number of community agencies, including:
- Providence Continuing Care Centre
- Maltby Centre for Youth
- Addictions and Mental Health Services (AMHS)
- Community Living
- Kingston Community Health Centre
VSU Detectives are active in Risk Watch, a network of organizations that share information to connect individuals with the best resources available. VSU Detectives also train other Police Officers in how to deal with vulnerable persons.
When Patrol Officers are called to an incident involving a vulnerable person where a criminal charge is applicable, they forward the report to the VSU for review. Members of VSU use their judgement and experience and work in conjunction with a community agency to properly address the person’s specific needs, resulting in vulnerable individuals potentially being diverted out of the criminal justice system.
If you are a family member or legal guardian to a vulnerable person you may register them Kingston Police.
Do you have what it takes?
Successful applicants to the VSU are patient, compassionate, and open-minded. They have demonstrated discretion in deciding which incidents require charges, and which incidents may be better dealt with by alternative measures.
Building professional relationships with community partners, working as a Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team Officer, and attending mental health calls provide the type of experiences that would be an asset in the VSU. Additionally, having a background in social work, conflict resolution, and prior experience working with vulnerable people in the community are also advantages.
Interested in becoming an officer with Kingston Police? Visit our recruitment website JoinKP.ca and learn more about this challenging and rewarding career.