POLICE SHOULD FOCUS ON DRUGS, SURVEY SAYS

North island communities want police to focus on drugs, impaired
driving, youth and traffic according to survey results gathered by the
Masset RCMP detachment.

The survey asked people if they were satisfied with the police and
what areas of crime prevention most needed attention. In the Masset,
Old Massett and Tow Hill area, police received 42 out of 700 surveys
back.

People who responded said drugs and alcohol were the big issues.
Overall, people want more police presence--especially with foot and
bike patrols.

In the Masset area some suggestions included "deal with intoxicated
persons on street during the day", "decriminalize drugs", and "stop
talking negatively of Masset in newspapers".

In Port Clements 23 out of 200 surveys were returned. Some respondents
said they wanted a policeman to move to the community while others
didn't want police there at all. People also asked for better
enforcement around school zones.

High school students, who had the best survey response rate with 53
out of 75, said they want police to stop harassing them, and be
friendlier. They recommend more bike and foot patrols as well as more
female police officers.

Police have already begun working on getting out into the community
more, said Sgt. Andrew Isles of the Masset detachment. To build
positive links with youth, police have begun visiting schools more and
hosting a sports day every Sunday in Masset.

Police have also started a Crime Stoppers program and met with the CHN
as well as the Hereditary Chiefs. More meetings are planned to discuss
the survey results, Sgt. Isles said.