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."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman