NEW WESTMINSTER POLICE CRACKDOWN SPARKS PROBE

B.C. Police Complaints Commissioner Don Morrison has ordered a probe
into the actions of New Westminster police.

Morrison ordered the independent investigation yesterday after the
B.C. Civil Liberties Association complained that New West cops
overstepped their legal rights during a crackdown on suspected drug
traffickers.

"We understand that New Westminster city council and police are under
tremendous public pressure to do something about the vexing problems
posed by the street-level drug trade," said BCCLA policy director
Murray Mollard. "However, that does not mean that the police can play
fast and loose with the law.

"We expect -- in fact, demand -- that the police respect the law when
trying to enforce it."

The BCCLA charged that New West police:

- - Search and seize property within private dwellings without search
warrants.

- - Use choke holds to "take down" suspected traffickers, breaking the
code of conduct of the 1994 Oppal Commission into policing.

- - Enter private dwellings on criminal matters under the guise of
aiding fire or health officials.

Mollard conceded that many New Westminster residents back the police
actions.

"We're not winning any friends by expressing our concerns," he said.
"The question is, in seeking to enforce the law, are they overstepping
their authority?"

Sgt. Daryl Tottenham of New Westminster police said the city has
"numerous letters and telephone calls" of support.

The probe will be headed by Delta Police Chief Jim Cessford.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry