Pubdate: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Peace Arch News Contact: http://www.peacearchnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333 Author: Christine Eden SAFE INJECTION SITES Authorities Require More Power, Control Editor; Re: Safe injection sites poked (Peace Arch News, June 22) I worked extensively in the addictions field. I have seen it all, from the downtown east side to Whalley. I still do not have the answers. I recently returned from a trip to Europe to research a military reunion. I was the guest of the mayor of Faulquemont. I was in more bars than in the previous 10 years. Used their public transit system. What was apparent was the lack of drunks, addicts, panhandlers and homeless. I took my questions to the mayor. I wanted to know where they were. His answer astounded me. This city has bylaws. Public displays of drunkenness or addiction are frowned upon and the fine is heavy, the prison sentence is stiff (you get 12 months, you serve 12 months). Repeat offences require mandatory treatment. Their parks are relatively safe, their modes of travel make ours look like a jungle. The city has authority to enforce this and they support their police. The drug dogs and police in full battle gear are there to provide a message: Not in our city." And it works. At the same time, the police were friendly and helpful and after the initial shock of seeing them, I felt comfortable and safe. We need to carry the message to our politicians that laws need to be changed to give cities the rights they need and the support our police deserve. Christine Eden Surrey - --- MAP posted-by: Beth