Pubdate: Wed, 09 Apr 2008 Source: Quesnel Cariboo Observer (CN BC) Copyright: 2008 Quesnel Cariboo Observer Contact: http://www.quesnelobserver.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1260 Author: Autumn MacDonald Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) REDUCING CRIME RCMP'S TOP PRIORITY When RCMP members were asked to list, in order, policing issues for Quesnel - crack cocaine topped the chart. Staff Sgt. Keith Hildebrand provided city council with Quesnel RCMP's strategic plan for 2008-2009. After extensive internal research Hildebrand asked his officers to identify their top policing issues. Following crack on the list was: crimes against persons; impaired driving; Highway 97 corridor; mental health issues; Substance abuse in First Nations communities; marijuana use and minors and alcohol/drug use; Hildebrand then went to RCMP's various community policing partners and asked them to compile their top-five list: Drugs and alcohol came in at number one followed by training for officers (community orientation), property crime, senior abuse and traffic enforcement. "We then have to align our priorities with provincial and national priorities," he said. Those are organized crime, terrorism, youth, Aboriginal communities and economic integrity. "Organized crime does affect Quesnel," Hildebrand told council, pointing to last year's drive-by shooting and a recently busted grow op run by a motorcycle gang. "Terrorism also affects us," he said. "Especially eco-terrorism. "There was the attempt to blow up the West Fraser jet." After aligning Quesnel's identified priorities (external and internal) with national and provincial priorities Quesnel RCMP set their to-do list. "For 2008-2009 priorities include reducing crimes against persons and property," he said. "Disrupt and dismantle the use and distribution of cocaine and marijuana within the detachment area. "Reduce and prevent number of criminal crashes involving impaired driving. "Increase our profile in the community and reduce and prevent substance abuse among first nations and youth." Hildebrand then highlighted several new initiatives for Quesnel RCMP to ensure success of the strategic plan. Those include the bait car program, increased impaired driver and motor vehicle act enforcement, internal training programs and a partnership with other agencies to develop a prolific offender action group. - --- MAP posted-by: Steve Heath