PEOPLE CAN HELP THE POLICE FIGHT CRIME

Dear editor,

It's nice to see that people are paying attention to our local drug
dealer problem.

I think it would be great to clean up our town and set an example for
other communities.

Our local RCMP works very hard to deter these people, but they could
use our help. I have a few suggestions, and hope that folks will take
the time to do their homework

I spent two and a half years of my life being stalked by a man, so I
have some experience in what we can do to be more aware of crimes and
who the offenders are.

Here are some things that you can do to help the RCMP and judicial
system.

1. Find out when court is held in town, then attend it from time to
time. It's the best way to see what the offenders look like and what
conditions the judge puts on them (probation). At that point and time,
the probation officer is responsible for making sure they abide by
those conditions. Conditions for drug dealers on probation, usually go
like this: Keep the peace and be of good behaviour. They are usually
to abstain from using drugs and alcohol, and often banned from cell
phones.

2. Find out who the probation officer is for the perpetrators and
write their name down, or ask them for their card. Once the person is
placed on probation, the probation officer is in control.

3. If you see the person ignoring the court order, then call the
probation officer. Remember, he/she can have them picked up
immediately for breaching their order.

4. If you see them re-offend, do not wait until later to talk to the
probation officer. The sooner he/she knows, the quicker the offender
can be brought in.

5. It is not just the drug dealers that we need to curtail. There is
also a lot of domestic violence, and other crimes. If you see this,
report it.

6. Remember, there are still far more law-abiding citizens on the
North Island than there are drug dealers on the North Island.

If we all do our part, we would set an excellent example that others
could follow.

I have a saying "Get A Grip!" So let's get a grip on the crime, and
clean up our towns.

I am proud to be a North Island. I hope to see you in court in the
near future.

A. Harvie,

Port Hardy