DRUG COUNSELLING OFFERED IN JAIL CELLS

When the crystal meth task force was launched two years ago, there
were hundreds of people living on local streets.

Today, boasts Maple Ridge Mayor Gord Robson, there are far less who
call the streets, the sidewalks, the alleyways their home.

"When we started we had between 400 and 500 people on the street," he said.

"Today, we have about 62 people."

That success in getting people off the streets is a direct result of
different groups coming together with a single purpose - to get
addicts the help they need, when they need it.

"We're making sure that anybody that wants to go to treatment can go."

When asked whether Mayor Robson believes Maple Ridge will ever solve
the crystal meth problem or homelessness in general, his answer is negative.

"But I think we can get it down to the point where we are dealing
with a couple of dozen people."

The latest addition to treatment on demand is done through
cooperation between Ridge Meadows RCMP and Alouette Addictions Services.

Now, whenever someone is arrested and left to stay in cells
overnight, if they appear to be intoxicated, they are offered the
option of speaking to a drug and alcohol counsellor.

Cpl. Gord Brownridge heads the program and is impressed by the results.

"By the time they get to our cells they're often at a point in their
lives where they realize this isn't the way to go."

Once they agree to meet with an addictions counsellor, Brownridge has
them sign a waiver, and Alouette Addictions is contacted.

"So far I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who
are at least willing to be contacted," Brownridge said, and added
about 50 per cent of all those in cells with obvious substance abuse
problems agree to see a counsellor.

"It's pretty good considering a lot of these people are homeless.
It's a big step for them to even realize they need help."

While Brownridge has only been at the Ridge Meadows detachment since
April, this is his fifth posting, and this program, he said, would be
of value in every community he's served.

"You have people who are regulars and a lot of it comes down to their
lifestyle, whether it be alcohol or drug use. You have to get to the
root of the problem," he said.

Brownridge is unaware of any program like this in the Lower Mainland,
but suggests Ridge Meadows could provide a template for other detachments.

"If we can show them that it's a good thing to do," he said other
communities may follow suit. "As far as I'm concerned, if we can
change one person, it's going to mean something."

Meanwhile, Robson suggests the simple fact that Maple Ridge keeps
track of its homeless population and has such a good handle on it, is
unheard of.