CABS CAN'T BE PRISONS

While there haven't been any reports of violence involving Kamloops cab
drivers recently, it's always an issue of concern, South Shore district
commander Sgt. Grant Learned said.

"Cab driving has always had its share of risk . . . cabs are open and
available to the public and inviting to anyone.

"Cab drivers don't have the luxury of screening their clientele. The issue
of cab drivers being robbed has been prevalent since I got into policing."

Taxi drivers are what Learned called "a soft target," similar to a
convenience store clerk.

They operate late into the night and the early morning and cater to those
leaving bars and nightclubs, who have had too much to drink.

Violence and robbery involving cab drivers tends to ebb and flow based on
the drug trade, Learned added.

"You can't look over the presence of crystal meth in this city. People who
are hooked on crystal meth will do anything to get their next hit . . .
whether it's a corner store or a cab driver, it's all linked."

RCMP officers cart around violent offenders all the time, he said, and
their vehicles come equipped with the necessary safety precautions.

A shield between cabby and passenger, similar to those installed in police
cruisers, would be an ideal way to protect the driver, but it's not going
to help business, Learned added.

"A cab company doesn't want to create the sense that you're a prisoner in
the cab. You have to constantly try to balance aesthetics versus safety."