Pubdate: Thu, 02 Mar 2006
Source: North Island Gazette (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 North Island Gazette
Contact:  http://www.northislandgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2783
Author: Teresa Bird
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)

RCMP STRATEGY HOPES TO REDUCE CRIME

PORT McNEILL - Port McNeill RCMP are taking a bite out of crime with 
a new pilot project.

The Port McNeill detachment is one of five in the province taking 
part in the Crime Reduction Strategy.

"We're using statistical information that every detachment records 
every day to help us determine our hot spots and our hot issues," 
explains Sgt. Lyle Gelinas. "It's not a new concept, but we're 
focusing on some main points: prolific offenders, high crime areas 
and addressing the underlying causes of crime."

To deal with repeat offenders, the RCMP will, for example, more 
closely monitor those in the community under court-imposed 
conditions, such as probation orders and those with outstanding 
warrants, says Gelinas.

High crime areas might be where there's a lot of drug dealing going on.

"We'll target the entrepreneurs in that area," says Gelinas.

The underlying causes of crime are generally alcohol and drug abuse 
related, says Gelinas, and the detachment is addressing that on two fronts.

The first is prevention, with increased DARE programs that will reach 
students in Grades 3, 5, 6, and 9 in local schools. The younger 
children will be taught about general safety, while the older 
students will discuss substance abuse and making the right decisions. 
While a long-standing program for fifth and sixth graders in most 
North Island schools, the program will be offered in Zeballos for the 
first time this year.

The other strategy has already seen results. A number of drug busts 
in recent months have been the result of RCMP and the community 
working together, says Gelinas.

"We're asking the community to report crime," says Gelinas. "It has 
always been my goal to have the police and the community work 
together. This whole thing is about safe homes and safe communities 
and by working with the community that is happening."

How will Gelinas and his officers know if the strategy is working?

"We have formal quality assurances, reporting statistics and feedback 
from the community," explains Gelinas.

"We want the public to contact us, contact me, and let us know how we 
are doing."

You can reach Sgt. Gelinas at 956-4441.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom