Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jan 2009
Source: North Shore News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 North Shore News
Contact:  http://www.nsnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/311
Author: Joanne Wallis

HEED'S COMMENTS ALIENATE

Dear Editor:

As a longtime West Vancouver resident, I am alarmed by several
inflammatory comments our Chief Const. Kash Heed has recently shared
with the media. If quoted correctly, his approach and generalizations
regarding former police officers and student substance abuse serve to
alienate rather than "mobilize" our community.

I worked in the West Vancouver school district as a teacher and an
administrator for 37 years interacting with thousands of young people.
Involved in the DARE and Peer Buddy programs and serving as liaison
and chairwoman of West Vancouver Community Day, I came in frequent
contact with members of the WVPD. The interaction and problem solving
between the police officers and students developed positive
relationships and mutual respect. Yes, nationwide research now
disputes the long-term effectiveness of the DARE program, but it fails
to acknowledge favourable attitudes toward police officers serving as
positive role models within our schools.

I would expect a new leader to model professional and ethical
behaviour to earn our respect and confidence. When one publicly
denigrates former members of the police force, one can erode trust and
morale in the present organization. When one makes sweeping
generalizations about student drug use based upon a small sample (100
was quoted) one can be accused of grandstanding. Yes this information
is a "wake-up call" to parents, but the method of delivery serves to
trash our community and the young people who are not substance abusers.

One of Chief Heed's new initiatives is the police department's
official website. A section of his published message states: "We will
work in collaboration and partnership with key stakeholders including
the residents of West Vancouver. We understand that effective law
enforcement does not operate in isolation, and that the spectrum of
solutions must be inclusive and expansive. We are committed to take
proactive measures to instill a new level of confidence and security
for residents so that West Vancouver remains one of the best places
across Canada to live, work and visit." I am saddened that his
approach appears to contradict his message.

Joanne Wallis

West Vancouver
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin