Pubdate: Thu, 10 Mar 2005
Source: Creston Valley Advance (CN BC)
Section: Pg 3
Copyright: 2005 Sterling Newspapers Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.crestonvalley.com/advance/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1413
Author: Lorne Eckersley

COPS LOOK FOR INFO ON DRUG-RELATED ACTIVITIES

Ask not what your community can do for you, but rather what you can do for 
your community. Creston RCMP are requesting information about possible drug 
trafficking and production locations in the community.

"This is something I identified we could be doing -- getting the community 
more involved," Sgt. Mark Fisher said on Tuesday. "This is just one of the 
ways we can act to tackle the growing problem of illegal drugs."

To encourage public participation, Creston RCMP have prepared an 
information package that is available to residents from either Creston Town 
Hall or the RCMP detachment on 16th Avenue. The package includes a form to 
report a suspected drug house and information that will help residents 
identify whether the house is likely to be the centre of the illegal 
activity. Also included is a form to log person and vehicle activity at the 
suspected residence.

While Fisher would prefer that those making reports identify themselves, 
they can remain anonymous if they choose to do so.

"People need to know what grounds we need to get a search for these 
places," said Fisher. "These forms help narrow down what information is 
really helpful to us. It makes that information more meaningful."

Fisher said this more formal approach to residents reporting suspected drug 
activity is only a part of the strategic plan his detachment has developed 
to help address the problem.  Creston RCMP members will be taking 
specialized courses, which Fisher hopes will help them in their quest to 
reduce illicit drug activity.

Among the other tactics planned will be to refer those involved in drug 
busts to Revenue Canada.

"This way, they will be informed about illegal revenue people may have 
obtained by making and selling drugs," he said.

Creston RCMP hold bi-monthly community policing meetings that allow them to 
hear from representatives from outlying communities.

"These meetings used to all be held in Creston, but now we're going to a 
different community each time, Fisher said.  "These meetings help identify 
what the concerns are in different communities."