Columbia Valley policing priorities

From the S/Sgt’s Desk –

2010-2011 detachment / community priorities.

Since my arrival in the valley in April of 2009 I have probably attended over 100 meetings throughout the detachment area. Many of these meeting did not specifically involved identifying priorities but during these meetings I was able to listen to some of the concerns many citizens had. I took note of these concerns.

I wrote a rather lengthy article in the papers a while back explaining how priorities are developed and the initiatives that are then developed to meet many of the goals of each priority. I won’t bore you and go over that again. It is my hope that you all have good memories and recall that article. It started off with my priorities at home and how they are dictated by the wife and son.

In that article I made a request of the public to invite me to your meetings so that I could speak on priorities and get some feed back from community members. I also requested lunch and dinner meetings where you feed me. So, many thanks to those organizations and groups who fed me and allowed me to speak on this subject and indeed get some valuable feed back.

In the past, commanders would invite 20 or more key people in the community, sit down over lunch and hash out the community priorities. My tactic was to get out in the community during December and January to meet with as many people as possible to specifically talk priorities. My thanks to all those that did take the time to meet with me.

I estimate that I spoke with approximately 150 people. Numerous concerns were brought forward. I must say that one of the highlites had to be meeting with a number of Red Hat ladies in Radium. I concluded that crime in the valley would be solved if I deputize and arm each one and get the hell out of their way. You don’t want to mess with the Red Hat ladies. They also eat well at their meetings and I look forward to a yearly visit to get more ideas.

Vandalism, property crime, assaults, domestic abuse, traffic issues, visibility, drug and alcohol abuse, theft from vehicles, break and enter, communication, bike patrols, traffic signs being damaged after bar closing, noise complaints were among many of the issues discussed.

Looking back at all the meeting and discussions, I looked for a common theme or common root of the problem and determined many of the issues were drug and alcohol related. If we could get a handle on the drug and alcohol abuse (addiction) we may see some progress in many of the other identified concerns.

Visibility was a common theme. People want to see the police in the community. Not only just enforcement, but getting involved with the community and youths particularly.

All our communities have a major highway going through it and have an interest in traffic safety. Not only on the highway, but parents want their children to be safe to and from school. Our Traffic 2010 initiative is a national and provincial priority and we will adapt it to our community.

Our 2010-2011 priorities will be:

1. Drug and alcohol abuse – enforcement and education
2. Visibility
3. Traffic safety

A number of initiatives will be developed for each initiative at the detachment to meet these priorities. During the year through the media I will report on many of these initiatives and provide you with updates and results. The other concerns mentioned will also be dealt with and not ignored through our day to day work.

Note: Lions Club, I know you meet and I know you eat. Waiting for your call.

S/Sgt Marko Shehovac
NCO i/c Columbia Valley RCMP