Prince George, B.C.- For just the second time in 6 years, the RCMP in Prince George are seeking impact statements from the community.

The local detachment wants to hear from business people, social services, residents, families, anyone who has been impacted by the drug trade in the city. Why?   Well, victim impact statements are not uncommon, but it is not usual practice to ask an entire community to say how they have been impacted. “We want the Court to see that this is a matter of concern to the people of this community and the impact it is having on their quality of life” says Superintendent Dahl Chambers. 

He says the Judge may, or may not use the statements when the time comes for sentencing people on drug charges, but Chambers says it is important the information be available. “If the Court sees drug use is having a negative impact on the community and that the community is concerned about the matter, the Court may impose whatever measures it has to help break the cycle.”

Superintendent Chambers advised City Council last Monday night that officers were ready to round up about 27 drug dealers.  The call for victim impact statements asks that people tell their personal stories about the affects of the drug trade “no story or experience should be considered too small” reads the request . During that meeting, Councillor Shari Green, who operates a business in the downtown, said she knows some businesses who have been impacted but who don’t think its important to file such a letter “This is very important, and I urge everyone who has a business and who does business in the downtown to submit a letter on the matter.”

Anyone wishing to participate is asked to write a letter which outlines their experiences and what they feel should be done to address the issues. The letter can be mailed, dropped off, or faxed to the attention of Cst. Kent MacNeill at the Prince George Detachment at 999 Brunswick Street.  

The detachment issued a similar request about six years ago when it was trying to deal with the hookers in the Millar Addition.