FRUSTRATIONS VOICED AT POLICE FORUM

Frustration, anger and bewilderment were all evident last Thursday during
an annual public session hosted by the Agassiz Community Police Office to
discuss crime and policing strategies in Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs.

Once again, drug activity and youth crime topped the list of concerns for
attendees, many of whom shared their own observations and suggestions
throughout the three-hour meeting.

The discussion was frank. At one point, the name of a known young offender
was mentioned and an Agassiz business was referred to specifically as a
magnet for illegal and improper activity.

Other major concerns included traffic, police visibility and a focus on
keeping children safe.

One Agassiz man angrily described the drug dealing taking place next door
to his home, adding he is now concerned for the safety of his wife and son.

In addition, he said speeders were turning his street into a hazard for
children and other pedestrians.

A teenager spoke candidly about the vibrant drug trade occurring at
prominent youth hangouts, including the skateboard park.

He also described young dealers and criminals who operate with impunity
thanks to soft laws and softer sentences.

Other guests included representatives of Community Services and members of
both municipal governments.

They took shots at the criminal justice system's seeming lack of
effectiveness, repeat offenders, the fuzzy message coming from Ottawa
regarding marijuana decriminalization, and the outside influences on high
school students.

Harrison Mayor John Allen touched upon the incidents of vandalism and
mischief that plague the beach. He also mentioned a rash of auto break-ins
at the Harrison Hotel and described how the village is taking action
against marijuana grow-ops with a new municipal 'nuisance' bylaw.

The forum's objective was to assist police develop a law enforcement
strategy amid a 'changing operating environment.'

The forum was facilitated by Brian Whiteford, and RCMP corporate planner
and was attended by the senior management team of the Upper Fraser Valley
Regional Detachment.

RCMP Sgt. Emil Spitkoski was on hand to list proactive initiatives
undertaken by police in the past year. Spitkoski touted the elementary
school D.A.R.E. program; the addition of a plain clothes officer to focus
on drug dealing and trouble-makers in the downtown; and a new partnership
with Department of Fisheries officers to stem confrontations on the Fraser
River.

Spitkoski did acknowledge, however, that legal setbacks continue to bind
officers' hands in their war on drugs. He also voiced the difficulties
faced by police to convict and punish young offenders.

"We are trying to deal with these kids [but] it's not easy," he said. "They
know their rights and they let you know it."

The problem is not just drugs, he added, but the related crimes including
break and enters. Seven grow-ops were busted in the community last year, he
noted, with another one currently under investigation.

"Gathering information takes time, but I'm confident we'll come out on top."

Sylvia Pranger said she appreciated the opportunity to sit down with the
RCMP and members of the community to get a feel for what the issues are and
"what we have to do to work together."

"I don't think there were any surprises," the mayor admitted, "but I think
it is great to have ongoing dialogue with the RCMP, that community members
have that opportunity, and it basically shows to me our issues are very
much the same."

Kent Councillor Darcy Striker says he has seen the groups of youth - some
of them involved in illegal activity - growing numbers outside the Lordco
store where he works.

He suggests that while police focus on high level organized crime and low
level street criminal, the middle group that supplies the drugs seems to be
overlooked.

"There are probably only about five kids that are bad and they have been
there for I don't know how many years," he said. "But now the groups are
getting bigger because they are pulling more kids in.

"That's the problem, and how do you change that, I don't know."