'CATCH AND RELEASE' CONCERNS COP

There was a noticeable jump in impaired driving charges and an
increase in break-ins last month, but the main concern facing the
local RCMP is drugs.

In his monthly presentation of crime stats, Supt. Bill McKinnon told
city council Monday that drug crimes are the biggest problem. "In the
stats from last year, there's a general decrease in crime. But drug
crimes are skyrocketing," he said.

In February, police seized six firearms, including a submachine gun
in drug raids. As well, there was about $463,000 worth of drugs and
cash taken in and 24 people arrested. Though crack cocaine is
responsible for about 80 per cent of the drug use in Kelowna,
McKinnon said the city had its first sizeable seizure of crystal meth
last week.

The frustration in battling drug crimes was evident when McKinnon was
questioned by Coun. Carol Gran who asked, "How did we get to the
point out there of almost lawlessness?"

She was concerned about crime throughout the city, not just in the
downtown area, which has been under more scrutiny lately.

"I don't think we are any different than any other urban centres," he
said, noting that the crime rates are similar in different parts of the city.

What frustrates police is that while they're doing their job in
catching criminals, the courts don't apply sentences to keep the
criminals off the streets. It's referred to as the "catch and release" system.

In other areas there were almost twice as many impaired driving
charges in February as there were in the same month last year. It may
not mean more drunk drivers, however. McKinnon said the number may be
higher because more charges were laid and fewer suspensions given.