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.