News release
Richmond RCMP unveils new child-friendly interview space
June 4, 2026
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Richmond, British Columbia
From: Richmond RCMP
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Richmond RCMP has opened a newly renovated child interview space designed to help children and their families feel safe, calm, and welcome when they come to the detachment.
The space was the vision of Constable Katherine DeShane, who completed specialized child interview training in 2019. After conducting numerous interviews with children, Cst. DeShane recognized that the existing interview room – cluttered, dimly painted, and furnished with oversized furniture – was not designed with children or victims in mind.
To find a better approach, Cst. DeShane visited other police detachments, child advocacy centres, and the local Ministry of Children and Family Development office to learn how other communities support children. She brought the idea forward in 2021, and after several years of planning and renovation, the new space was completed in 2025.
The renovated area is divided into two rooms: a dedicated waiting room and an interview room. The design means children and victims of crime no longer need to wait in the detachment’s busy public lobby. Both rooms feature brighter colours, smaller furniture, and sensory objects intended to feel welcoming and less institutional.
“Children come here having sometimes witnessed or experienced very difficult things,” said Constable Katherine DeShane, Richmond RCMP. “This space was created so they can feel safe and supported, away from the busy lobby, in a room that feels calm rather than intimidating.”
Alongside the new space, Richmond RCMP has produced as short video to help children and their families know what to expect before they arrive. The video walks viewers through the visit, from parking and checking in at the front counter, to meeting an officer in plain clothes, to the one-on-one conversation in the interview room. It reinforces simple, reassuring messages: come well rested and bring snacks, the officer is a trusted adult, and children will be listened to in the language they are most comfortable with.
Transcript
Description: A video showing what to expect from the child interview process.
[Constable DeShane stands in front of the Richmond RCMP police station and talks to camera. A title appears reading: “Constable DeShane Richmond RCMP” ]
Constable DeShane “Welcome to the Richmond RCMP main station.”
[We zoom in on the police station.]
[Constable DeShane speaks to camera.]
“If you’re coming here for a child interview, you might feel a little nervous or excited…”
[A nervous looking emoji appears, and then an excited looking emoji appears.]
[Constable DeShane speaks to camera.]
“…and that’s okay. Here’s what you need to know about your visit.”
[an animation of a person appears, and then an animation of a person eating appears.]
“Be sure to come well rested, fed, and bring snacks!”
[A car pulls into the police station parking lot and parks in a visitor parking stall. The visitor parking spaces become highlighted in green.]
“There’s free visitor parking to your left when you pull in.”
[A mom and daughter walk towards the police station.]
“When you arrive, come to the front counter and let our friendly staff know you are here for an interview.”
[The mom and daughter approach the front counter together.]
[A friendly staff member greets them at the counter.]
[Constable DeShane welcomes the mother and daughter into a bright room. The officer is wearing normal clothing.]
“You will be welcomed into our special waiting room.”
[The officer sits down across from the mother and young girl in the waiting room.] “A police officer will come to the waiting room and introduce themselves.”
[The officer speaks to both of them.]
“You might not recognize them because they won’t be wearing a uniform.”
[Constable DeShane speaks to camera.]
“You will also get a chance to talk with the officer one on one!”
[The officer and young girl talk together in a brightly coloured room.]
[The officer speaks to the young girl.]
“They are here to get to know you better, ask questions, and listen to you in the language you are most comfortable with.”
[The officer and the young girl speak with each other together.]
[The young girl speaks to the officer.]
[The officer shows her police badge.]
“They are a trusted adult and it is safe to tell them everything.”
[The officer speaks to the young girl.]
[The young girl speaks to the officer.]
[The officer and the young girl speak with each other together.]
“It can be a challenge talking with new people in a new space. We are here to help make you feel more comfortable.”
[Constable DeShane speaks to camera.]
“Have any questions? You can contact us at richmondSVU@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. We look forward to seeing you!”
The email : “richmondSVU@rcmp-grc.gc.ca” is typed on screen.
[RCMP/GRC copyright notice appears.]
[Government of Canada wordmark with a waving Canadian flag appears.]
The new interview space also features an original mural, Heron’s Nest, created by local artist Laura Kwok. More about the mural below.
About the mural – Heron’s Nest
Heron’s Nest was designed specifically for the soft interview room with the intent of creating a calm atmosphere and a safe refuge. It features a familiar Richmond scene of the Fraser River, flowing freely in deep teals and soothing greens. Historically, the Great Blue Heron has been a dignified symbol of resilience and wisdom. The large heron stands tall as a solemn guardian, protecting the young fledgling from harm. Through it all, tiny leaves flutter past in the wind - a hint of hope, life, and movement - a sign of better days to come.
Artist: Laura Kwok
Website: www.LauraKwok.com
Instagram: @artandsoulcreativeco
