Pubdate: Tue, 22 Jan 2008
Source: Melfort Journal, The (CN SN)
Copyright: 2008, The Melfort Journal
Contact:  http://www.melfortjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1625
Author: Shelley Tomlinson

SPECIAL SECTION CREATED FOR DRUG INVESTIGATIONS

The Melfort RCMP detachment has started a new section for drug 
investigations and serious crimes. The new section was created to 
concentrate more on drug investigations, according to Staff Sgt. Andy 
Seidemann.

The Melfort RCMP detachment has started a new section for drug 
investigations and serious crimes.

The new section was created to concentrate more on drug 
investigations, according to Staff Sgt. Andy Seidemann.

"It's just that I've seen the need for this detachment here to have 
somebody in place that can tackle the drug concerns," said Seidemann.

Focusing on drug investigations was needed since drugs are everywhere 
and drugs fuel a lot of crime, according to Seidemann.

"A lot of our crime is tied into the drug scene where people will 
commit crimes to get money for drugs," said Seidemann.

"So, it's in an effort to deal with that a little bit more effectively."

Although Seidemann said it is every officers duty to investigate 
various aspects of crime including drug investigations, there will be 
one officer designated for the new section.

"They (the officer) will receive training in interviewing techniques, 
search warrant drafting, that sort of thing," said Seidemann.

The drug investigations will include all aspects of investigations 
including trafficking and production.

"Melfort is large enough that it's a resource we thought was required 
here," said Seidemann.

Although, Seidemann said the public shouldn't worry about the rate of 
serious crimes in Melfort since serious crime rates are not high.

"I think the city is large enough that there is a drug culture here 
and we need to address it. The members are busy enough doing their 
everyday work, traffic and other investigations, we felt it was time 
we had a member designated for (drug investigations)."
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