Pubdate: Mon, 30 May 2005
Source: Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser
Contact:  http://www.wetaskiwintimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2179
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

RCMP PREPARES TO LAUNCH DRUG STRATEGY

Drugs, and the disruption of them, has become one of the top priorities for 
RCMP when it comes to policing in Millet.

Wetaskiwin Times Advertiser -- Cpl. Dave Ness told council what the 
detachment's plans are to combat drugs in the community -- as well as some 
of the other issues the RCMP have found when policing the small town.

"Our priorities are drugs and the disruption of (drug) activity in the town 
of Millet -- whether it is selling or growing. We want to address it fully 
in town," said Ness.

"We want to get calls from the public to help us help them. We want them to 
give us information to get search warrants to kick in these houses."

One of the priorities of the RCMP is to develop partnerships within the 
community to further collaborations and extend networks.

"We want to develop a policing advisory committee, developed from 
(Millet's) Citizens On Patrol program."

Coun. Pat Garrett, who is the president of Millet's COPS chapter said there 
are some problems which keep COPS from being as effective as the group 
ultimately could be.

"We don't have communication with the police when we are out there. We 
really need it," she said. "We need communication back and forth as well as 
with the Wetaskiwin (COPS program)."

As well as using civilian help, RCMP members are also working hard to 
better themselves in the area of search warrants.

"We want to get members trained on how to draft search warrants, get 
sources and how to utilize the warrants," said Ness.

"We already have a lot of good people in the office who know how (to do 
these things), but we want to get the younger members involved."

In order to put together a search warrant, RCMP must have current, valid 
information.

"Sometimes we have to work a long time to get the information to get in," 
said Ness.

"If we have the information and have everything in place, we can (execute a 
search warrant) immediately."

As well as cracking down on existing drug issues, RCMP members are focusing 
on nipping drugs in the bud by reaching youth before they get involved.

"We want to ensure the DARE program is fully done in every school," 
explained Ness.

As well as DARE, RCMP will be more involved with youth in the area of bullying.

"Const. Becky Wiley-Jardine is doing a bullying program, but she has just 
started it," said Ness, adding although DARE touches on bullying, it is not 
at all detailed.

"She has the desire to come out and teach these things."
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MAP posted-by: Beth