GROW-OP BUSTING GRANNY ONE OF POLICE DEPARTMENT'S TOP RECRUITERS

One of the Vancouver Police Department's top recruiters is not a cop
but a grandmother from the Collingwood community policing centre.

In the past five years, Chris Taulu said she and her staff referred
68 men and women to the department. Another 12 or so applied to the
RCMP and other Lower Mainland municipal detachments.

And all of them got hired, Taulu said.

"When you go to a swearing-in ceremony [for new recruits], there's
always one or two recruits who have come through Collingwood," she
said. "The department trusts us and they know if I recommend someone
that that someone is going to be a good cop."

Over the 12 years of the policing centre's existence, Taulu said
she's never had to advertise for volunteers. Word of mouth, referrals
from police officers and the centre's website attracted the would-be officers.

Close to 250 volunteers, some of whom have applied to become cops,
work out of the centre. Jobs include bike and foot patrols, speed
watch, court watch and various outreach programs.

Over the years, Taulu said she has developed a good sense of what
makes a good cop-and what makes a bad one, too.

"We get those ones that watch too much cop TV and shoot 'em up and
then they realize there is tons of paperwork and they don't want to do it."

A good cop has the respect of the community, is dedicated to helping
all people-no matter what their situation-and can keep a level head
in stressful situations, she said.

"We're pretty strict, we know what's required of them and we try to
keep with the same standards as they need to have when going in."

Taulu said she has joked with Police Chief Jamie Graham that she
doesn't need to apply for his job. She's already got it, she added.

"I always tease Jamie that I've got them all brainwashed. I'll just
click my fingers and they'll instantly become my domain and I'll take
over the department."

Taulu is probably best known for her efforts to root out marijuana
growing operations, or grow-ops. She was a key figure in creating the
police-led Growbusters team.

The squad has busted more than 2,000 grow-ops since it began in the
fall of 2000, including one behind Taulu's house in Collingwood,
where she has lived since 1972.

Collingwood community policing centre has also helped produce two
videos about the dangers of grow-ops. The centre released another on Tuesday.

Called "Counting the Cost," the DVD is aimed at educating the public
and landlords about recognizing the signs of a grow-ops in a neighbourhood.

For the record, Taulu, who is in her late 60s, hates being called the
anti-grow-op granny-as the Courier has dubbed her in a previous
article. And don't get her started about how old she is.

"As if little old ladies don't do anything. You guys always wanted to
know how old I am, and why at my age am I doing this. Well, what's
age got to do with it? Age has nothing to do with it."

Added Taulu: "I like what I do. I like going home, going to bed at
night and like the fact that I've helped someone today. That's my job."