RCMP INSPECTOR RESPONDS TO 'OOOPS'

The recent article regarding the search warrant that was executed at
a Courtenay rural property for marihuana refers.

I do appreciate the opportunity to speak publicly regarding this
matter and some of the issues that relate to police actions.

On behalf of the Comox Valley Detachment and the RCMP I do publicly
express regret and apologize for the harm that was caused to a local
couple who in my view are upstanding and law abiding citizens of our community.

Policing is fraught with the realities of human frailties which
occasionally results in errors and mistakes.

In the circumstances alluded to there were grounds to obtain a search warrant.

Aerial photographs taken from a distance appear to depict marihuana
growing in the backyard of the residence. Periodic patrols to the
area resulted in the detection of a marihuana odour in the vicinity
and plants were observed from a distance (from the street) growing as
indicated by the photographs.

It was primarily based on this information that a search warrant was
granted by the Justice of the Peace for the property.

The search warrant was executed late in the evening and the woman of
the household was handcuffed.

The necessity to handcuff is one that I personally question given the
circumstances. It was soon determined that no marihuana was growing
on the property and that as stated dahlias and tomatoes were growing.

The police officers attending immediately expressed their regret and
attempted to explain the circumstances to the couple that lead them
to the residence in the first place.

Helicopter spotting commences each summer in anticipation of Project
Sabot, a national project, aimed at eradicating outdoor marihuana
grow operations.

This year the project eradicated in the range of 30, 000 marihuana
plants on Vancouver Island.

Public confidence in policing is vital and important to the success
of your police service.

Public safety depends on this confidence and I am committed to
ensuring that our members have learned from this experience as we
continue to serve the Comox Valley.

Finally, it is should be noted that the RCMP and the British Columbia
Chiefs of Police have stated their support for civilian oversight and
greater accountability processes particularly when death or injury
occurs as a result of police actions.

Tom Gray,

Inspector

O.I.C. Comox Valley Detachment