RCMP STRATEGY HOPES TO REDUCE CRIME

PORT McNEILL - Port McNeill RCMP are taking a bite out of crime with
a new pilot project.

The Port McNeill detachment is one of five in the province taking
part in the Crime Reduction Strategy.

"We're using statistical information that every detachment records
every day to help us determine our hot spots and our hot issues,"
explains Sgt. Lyle Gelinas. "It's not a new concept, but we're
focusing on some main points: prolific offenders, high crime areas
and addressing the underlying causes of crime."

To deal with repeat offenders, the RCMP will, for example, more
closely monitor those in the community under court-imposed
conditions, such as probation orders and those with outstanding
warrants, says Gelinas.

High crime areas might be where there's a lot of drug dealing going on.

"We'll target the entrepreneurs in that area," says Gelinas.

The underlying causes of crime are generally alcohol and drug abuse
related, says Gelinas, and the detachment is addressing that on two fronts.

The first is prevention, with increased DARE programs that will reach
students in Grades 3, 5, 6, and 9 in local schools. The younger
children will be taught about general safety, while the older
students will discuss substance abuse and making the right decisions.
While a long-standing program for fifth and sixth graders in most
North Island schools, the program will be offered in Zeballos for the
first time this year.

The other strategy has already seen results. A number of drug busts
in recent months have been the result of RCMP and the community
working together, says Gelinas.

"We're asking the community to report crime," says Gelinas. "It has
always been my goal to have the police and the community work
together. This whole thing is about safe homes and safe communities
and by working with the community that is happening."

How will Gelinas and his officers know if the strategy is working?

"We have formal quality assurances, reporting statistics and feedback
from the community," explains Gelinas.

"We want the public to contact us, contact me, and let us know how we
are doing."

You can reach Sgt. Gelinas at 956-4441.