Pubdate: Fri, 15 Sep 2006
Source: South Delta Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 South Delta Leader
Contact:  http://www.southdeltaleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1241
Author: Dan Ferguson

CIVIC STAFF TO WATCH FOR CRIME

Delta municipal employees received their first training session under 
the "City Watch" anti-crime program Tuesday at the North Delta 
Recreation Centre.

The program is a B.C.-wide initiative by the Canadian Union of Public 
Employees (CUPE) that trains outside workers to recognize and report 
suspicious activities and locations like grow ops, meth labs and 
automobile "chop shops."

"We're going to incorporate it into our regular crew training 
sessions" said Daryl Robison, president of CUPE local 454, which 
represents Delta civic employees.

He described the program as a low-cost initiative that puts more eyes 
and ears on municipal streets.

Robison said workers aren't expected to intervene, but to observe, 
handing in reports of suspicious activity with their paperwork every day.

The program was approved by Delta Council in April.

It has cost the municipality less than $5,000, the price of producing 
City Watch decals for civic vehicles, training brochures and other 
materials for staff.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine