COPS PINE FOR PARK PROSE

It's a nice sunny day in Bordeleau Park, a patch of greenspace
nestled up against the bank of the Ottawa River in Lowertown.

An old man rests on a brown bench, a young woman walks along a path.
The homes along Cathcart and Bruyere streets are well kept.

The old man, young girl and homeowners are victims of a crime in progress.

Sitting in the middle of the park are two men with a red, rusted bicycle.

CLEAR PIPE

One of the men puts a clear pipe to his mouth and lights the other
end with a lighter.

It's the universal sign of a crack smoker.

This, according to the Ottawa police department, is not a victimless
crime. The old man, young girl and homeowners are victims of mischief
- -- their enjoyment of property has been infringed upon.

This summer, cops in the downtown east side, which includes Lowertown
and Vanier, began asking residents to fill out victim impact
statements describing how drug activity in parks affects them and
their communities.

Victim impact statements are used in court to show how a crime has
damaged a victim's life.

They're commonly used in murder and sexual assault trials.

So far, police have collected about 20 statements from residents who
live near parks.

"We're getting very good responses from people who are very keen to
speak their mind and give their perception and experience of how it's
affecting them personally," said Const. Dana Reynolds of the central
east neighbourhood unit.

"To these people, it's ruining their lives."

'TURNSTYLE EFFECT'

The courts, Reynolds said, have historically been known to have a
"turnstyle effect" when it comes to drug users and dealers, but that
has begun to change.

Chief Vern White told the Sun last week the courts are getting the picture.

Police statistics indicate some dealers get jail time with sentences
ranging from four months to four years.

White said he believes that's because judges are now considering the
impact crimes have on communities.

Robin Wentzel, 36, said Bordeleau Park was a haven for drug addicts
last year, but the situation has improved because of a stronger
police presence.

He said addicts still shoot up, urinate and defecate in the park, but
not as often as before.

Wentzel hasn't filled out a victim impact statement, but he said it's
a creative idea and one he supports as long decision makers help addicts, too.

"How would you feel if that was your brother or sister? Or if it was
your father or mother. We have to remember they need help. They need
treatment," he said.