The Comox Valley RCMP turned its detachment into a haunted house on October 29th - and more than 900 people showed up to take part.

The event transformed the detachment’s holding cells into a Halloween attraction, with 40 volunteers helping make the evening a safe and spooky success.

Organizers say it was about more than Halloween fun - it was a chance to build stronger community connections and give families a positive, up-close look at policing.

CVSAR Information officer, Paul Berry, stated that he lost count of the smiling faces and the genuine expressions of thanks towards the RCMP members on site.

“When not posing for selfies with the ever lurking werewolves, members of the public were going out of their way to individually thank RCMP members for the evening and to tell them how much they enjoyed the opportunity and appreciated the team effort that made the evening possible. Most stated that they could wait to see what next year’s haunted experience would bring. This was community policing at its best!”

In all, the event raised $3,500 for Comox Valley Search and Rescue and another $1,300 in cash and food donations for the Salvation Army.

RCMP members say they were touched by the turnout and gratitude from the community, and plan to make it an annual event.