New Downtown Unit Ready to Hit the Streets in 2 Weeks

Tuesday, November 03, 2009 03:58 AM

Prince George, B.C. – The details of the downtown Enforcement Unit have been delivered. The “DEU” will have a zero tolerance for criminal activity in the downtown.

Fashioned after consultation with Kamloops, Kelowna and Nanaimo and examination of their units, Superintendent Brenda Butterworth Carr says the unit in Prince George was developed specifically for Prince George.

The new unit is expected to be up and running in two weeks, once the group leader Corporal Kent McNeil has completed some responsibilities with the serious crimes unit.

Corporal McNeil says in the past, drug activity in the downtown took place inside various drinking establishments, that has spilled into the streets with drug users and sellers in the open. “That often leads to the violence and property crime.” He says there continue to be alcohol issues with repeat offenders, but he says that is mostly “nuisance behaviour” but part of the problem is that some establishments are over serving patrons.

McNeil says it will be a zero tolerance approach when it comes to drugs “We will be pursuing charges wherever possible”.

McNeil says there will be bicycle patrols, foot patrols, vehicle patrols, and licensed premises checks, what he refers to as “bar walks”.

“It’s not just about enforcement” says McNeil, “It’s about education as well.”

Councilor Murry Krause agrees, “It’s not just about enforcement, its about building relationships.” He says the DEU should work towards meshing with existing programs and service providers in the downtown core.

Superintendent Brenda Butterworth Carr was given praise by Councilor Cameron Stolz for her efforts to make downtown safety a priority and for personally walking the downtown streets on a Friday night to get a better sense of what is happening in the core.

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Posted on Tuesday, November 03, 2009 03:58 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Stompin Tom on November 3 2009 7:12 AM

Atleast it will give the downtown locals somewhere warm to sleep this winter.

Posted by: metalman on November 3 2009 8:38 AM

I am glad that they are trying to do something about this problem. Anything they do, or try, is better than nothing, but I fear that if they are successful in their endeavour, the problem will simply shift to another area of the city. Ultimately, there has to be harsher consequences for the distribution of addictive illegal drugs. Krause's fantasy of building relationships and educating people is, imho, a pipe dream.
metalman.

Posted by: Stompin Tom on November 3 2009 8:39 AM

Are the cops going to set up shop beside the needle exchange?

Posted by: lmorge on November 3 2009 1:32 PM

This is not a new concept and it has been largely unsuccessful in the past due to the high numbers of offenders. I'm all for prosecuting drug offences, however its up to the courts to follow through with a meaningful punishment or the members will soon feel frustrated.

Posted by: supertech on November 3 2009 10:48 PM

It's getting colder so there won't be as many to arrest as there is in the warmer months. As winter passes the new unit will probably become smaller and smaller until it recedes to nothing. When the sun comes out next june, we will see if there is any success to this unit.

How come I never see Krause downtown with these people,'building relationships'? I go downtown a lot and I don't see any volunteers 'building relationships'. Who wants to build a relationship with a bunch of slobbering, stoned and drunk humanoids who walk around in urine-soaked clothes?