Pubdate: Fri, 05 Jan 2001
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 The Province
Contact:  200 Granville Street, Ste. #1, Vancouver, BC V6C 3N3 Canada
Fax: (604) 605-2323
Website: http://www.vancouverprovince.com/
Author: Barbara McLintock

NO MANDATORY TESTING FOR OFFICERS, MOUNTIES ADMIT

The RCMP have launched a major crime investigation after learning that
a heroin overdose killed one of its top drug-prevention officers.

Four senior major crimes investigators from provincial RCMP
headquarters are in Courtenay to investigate the death of Const. Barry
Schneider, 43.

"It is a mystery," Insp. Dave Zack, the officer in charge of Courtenay
detachment, said yesterday. "There's a whole bunch of unanswered questions."

The investigators are expected to try to discover how Schneider ended
up with a fatal heroin overdose. He was found collapsed on the floor
of his home on Nov. 29.

An initial post-mortem examination found evidence of heart disease,
suggesting death by natural causes. But toxicology tests revealed the
presence of a lethal level of heroin. Some cocaine was also found in
his body.

Zack said foul play has not been ruled out. "We're not ruling out any
possibilities at this point," he said.

Schneider had spent the past two years working as the drug awareness
co-ordinator for Vancouver Island. Before that, he had worked
undercover and in drug enforcement.

Senior Mounties confirmed yesterday that there is no procedure for
mandatory testing of officers working in drug enforcement.

So far, no evidence has come to light to show Schneider had any
history of drug abuse. Neither, said Zack, is there any indication
that he was depressed, or having any particular problems.

Investigators are expected to interview colleagues and acquaintances
of Schneider, and also conduct further medical tests which could show
evidence of long-term drug use.

They also want to determine whether detachment procedures were
followed in dealing with seizures of illegal drugs.

Zack said the disclosure of the cause of Schneider's death has
devastated members of the detachment. "We are all completely stunned,"
he said.

Supt. Jim Good, district officer in charge of Vancouver Island, said
in a news release: "It is extremely unsettling for Const. Schneider's
family, for the police community and for the citizens of the Island
district who have benefitted from this officer's years of good service."

A 22-year veteran of the RCMP, Schneider had spent the past six years
in the Courtenay area.

As the drug awareness co-ordinator for the Island, Schneider oversaw
prevention projects, including the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education) program for schoolchildren, and drug-prevention programs
for the workplace. 
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