RED ZONES TARGET ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES

Those involved in drug deals and prostitution downtown could be
restricted on where they wander.

The RCMP is moving towards establishing red zones in a number of areas
in Vernon. While specific locations are being kept confidential, it's
expected that one of them could be Cenotaph Park downtown.

"A red zone is an area of town where criminal activity is happening.
When a person is picked up and charged in that area, they are not
allowed back. If they go back, we can breech them as part of their
parole," said Insp. Clair Hayward, officer in charge of the local detachment.

"They will be given a map of where they can and can't
go."

Hayward admits that kicking people out of red zones will push them
into other parts of the community, but he doesn't expect the problems
will resurface to the same extent.

"It will spread them out a lot more," he said.

On Monday, city council debated a number of security issues presented
recently by the Downtown Vernon Association.

While the DVA has expressed concerns about safety, especially around
Cenotaph Park, Coun. Jack Gilroy pointed out that five new bylaw
enforcement officers have been hired and security cameras are inside
the parkade.

"We do have a presence downtown. We have one of the safest downtowns
in the province," he said.

One of the DVA's concerns is there isn't a physical presence in the
parkade since the longtime contractor opted to leave. The city is
currently trying a mechanized ticket system in the interim to see how
it works.

"We've addressed these things and not given them a chance," said Coun.
Juliette Cunningham of safety concerns at the parkade.

The DVA recently hired two private security guards to patrol downtown,
something that has the support of Coun. Patrick Nicol.

"They stepped forward and did what they thought was right," he
said.

Based on a DVA recommendation, council has instructed staff to look at
the possibility of removing dumpsters from downtown alleys to
eliminate hiding places.