DRUG ENFORCEMENT LOWERS CRIME RATE

Traffic Accidents Are Also Down In A Year That Saw An Overall Drop In
Crime

A full roster of Powell River RCMP members and an expanded volunteer
base have contributed to lower crime rates and more enforcement,
according to Sergeant Andy Brinton.

The RCMP uses certain crime types as a barometer to determine crime
rates. "These are offences that impact the average person in Powell
River," he explained at the January 11 municipal council meeting at
which he gave a 2004 overview.

Total break and enters inside the municipality decreased 19 per cent
in 2004 compared to 2003, down from 239 to 194. Vandalism was down 11
per cent, from 305 to 271.

In the area of property crime in general, from stolen vehicles to
theft from vehicles, there was a downward trend, significant in some
areas.

On the enforcement side of the equation, in 2004 there were 305
instances of Liquor Act enforcement, compared to 221 in 2003, or a 38
per cent increase.

Drug enforcement, from possession to trafficking and production,
increased 28 per cent, from 107 in 2003 to 137 in 2004.

"It doesn't indicate there's increased drug activity in Powell River,"
explained Brinton. "It's an increase in either our arrests or reports
from the public pertaining to drugs. I see that as a positive. I can't
help but draw a connection between an increase in enforcement and a
decrease in certain other crime types."

In traffic statistics, total collisions were down from 147 in 2003 to
125 in 2004. On the enforcement side, including written warnings,
speeding tickets, 24-hour suspensions and impaired driving cases,
there were 1,601 enforcement actions in 2003 and 2,324 in 2004.
"That's a figure I'm quite proud of and pleased with," said Brinton.

In 2004, the Powell River RCMP detachment had a full compliment of
members, said Brinton, which could have had a bearing on some of its
successes. The department is adding four auxiliary members this year
and Citizens on Patrol (COPS) is being expanded.

"This is probably our largest volunteer group and one we're most proud
of," said Brinton.

COPS volunteers are involved now in speed watch programs, vehicle
security and general public education.

The RCMP presence in rural areas was increased, Brinton said,
particularly on Savary Island and Powell Lake. Statistics from rural
areas also generally show a decline in crime and increased
enforcement.

In 2001 the department went through a strategic planning process in
which it identified policing priorities for Powell River, said
Brinton. The areas identified were traffic, drugs and property crime.
The department also built in national priorities, such as youth
initiatives and First Nation initiatives.