RCMP Bring Council Up to Speed

Monday, January 08, 2007 08:50 PM

Just hours after the Provincial Government released information on how increased revenues from traffic fines have been spent in various communities, the head of the Prince George RCMP detachment, Superintendent Dahl Chambers, (shown at left)appeared before Prince George Council to bring the City up to date on the Detachment's efforts.

Over the past year, Superintendent Chambers says Prince George RCMP made an impact on the drug trade. "Organized crime is rampant in this City" says Chambers who told Council the distribuition of drugs in Prince George is controlled. "We have made some impact on the group called the Crew, some members are in jail, and I believe this very violent group may be linked with some homicides in this City."

He says there is progress being made on the battle against prostitution. "Women are still being exploited" he told Council, but the introduction of the "John School" is making an impact. In a recent round up, 17 johns were arrested, 11 were sent to John school.

Chambers says the traffic unit is changing focus and is looking towards harm reduction. To that end, areas which have been identified as high accident areas, have been targetted. The focus is on reducing speed, increasing seat belt use, and eliminating drunk driving.

Despite the addition of the bait car program in the city, there were 2,319 auto thefts in Prince George last year. Chambers says many of the thefts were committed by the same people "It is hard to imagine that someone could steal 50 vehicles in one week, but there are such people. We need to set up target teams who can keep an eye on offenders when they are released from jail, and ensure that if they breach the terms of their release, they are returned to jail."

Chambers says in the year ahead, there needs to be better partnering with the Native Friendship Centre so First Nations living in the urban environment feel comfortable with police. "There are issues, and we need to increase communications so those who have needs, feel comfortable contacting and working with police."

He says the Auxilliary will be up to full force with 40 members this spring, and members have provided thousands of hours of patrols downtown. He also told Council a change in shifting has resulted in more officers being on the streets.

Chambers says that while he considers 2006 as having been a successful year, there is much that needs to be done to reduce the fear of crime in the community.

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