FROM February through Spring, seniors who are from other countries, but who now live in Delta, typically come in to Delta Police Department community police offices for a unique request.
They look for police officers to sign a “Proof of Life” so that they can continue to receive pensions from their home countries. Unfortunately, this year, seniors will need to attend the two main Delta Police offices for that service.
“The demand for this service is highest in South Delta,” says Cris Leykauf, spokesperson for Delta Police. “Our Tsawwassen office just had their first phone call about this issue, so we wanted to get word out through our local papers.”
Typically, seniors requesting the service hail from the UK and all over Europe. In years past, they simply popped into the District Community Police Offices, located conveniently in high traffic shopping areas in the three Delta neighbourhoods.
To verify the Proof of Life, the senior has to meet with a police officer and show identification, usually a BC driver’s license or a valid passport. The officer signs and dates the form and indicates the type of identification shown.
Because of COVID, and to protect the volunteers who help run these offices, unfortunately, the District Community Police Offices remain closed to drop-in visitors. However, the main headquarters building at 4455 Clarence Taylor Crescent in Ladner is open with COVID precautions in place, as is the Public Safety Building at 11375 84 Avenue in North Delta. Both locations are open 7 a.m. – 7 p.m., 7 days a week.