Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jul 2006 Source: Vancouver Courier (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Vancouver Courier Contact: http://www.vancourier.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/474 Author: Mike Howell, Staff writer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) GROW-OP BUSTING GRANNY ONE OF POLICE DEPARTMENT'S TOP RECRUITERS One of the Vancouver Police Department's top recruiters is not a cop but a grandmother from the Collingwood community policing centre. In the past five years, Chris Taulu said she and her staff referred 68 men and women to the department. Another 12 or so applied to the RCMP and other Lower Mainland municipal detachments. And all of them got hired, Taulu said. "When you go to a swearing-in ceremony [for new recruits], there's always one or two recruits who have come through Collingwood," she said. "The department trusts us and they know if I recommend someone that that someone is going to be a good cop." Over the 12 years of the policing centre's existence, Taulu said she's never had to advertise for volunteers. Word of mouth, referrals from police officers and the centre's website attracted the would-be officers. Close to 250 volunteers, some of whom have applied to become cops, work out of the centre. Jobs include bike and foot patrols, speed watch, court watch and various outreach programs. Over the years, Taulu said she has developed a good sense of what makes a good cop-and what makes a bad one, too. "We get those ones that watch too much cop TV and shoot 'em up and then they realize there is tons of paperwork and they don't want to do it." A good cop has the respect of the community, is dedicated to helping all people-no matter what their situation-and can keep a level head in stressful situations, she said. "We're pretty strict, we know what's required of them and we try to keep with the same standards as they need to have when going in." Taulu said she has joked with Police Chief Jamie Graham that she doesn't need to apply for his job. She's already got it, she added. "I always tease Jamie that I've got them all brainwashed. I'll just click my fingers and they'll instantly become my domain and I'll take over the department." Taulu is probably best known for her efforts to root out marijuana growing operations, or grow-ops. She was a key figure in creating the police-led Growbusters team. The squad has busted more than 2,000 grow-ops since it began in the fall of 2000, including one behind Taulu's house in Collingwood, where she has lived since 1972. Collingwood community policing centre has also helped produce two videos about the dangers of grow-ops. The centre released another on Tuesday. Called "Counting the Cost," the DVD is aimed at educating the public and landlords about recognizing the signs of a grow-ops in a neighbourhood. For the record, Taulu, who is in her late 60s, hates being called the anti-grow-op granny-as the Courier has dubbed her in a previous article. And don't get her started about how old she is. "As if little old ladies don't do anything. You guys always wanted to know how old I am, and why at my age am I doing this. Well, what's age got to do with it? Age has nothing to do with it." Added Taulu: "I like what I do. I like going home, going to bed at night and like the fact that I've helped someone today. That's my job." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman