PROVINCE GIVES NEW POWERS TO SKYTRAIN POLICE

Riding SkyTrain is going to get safer, if a new provincial government
initiative goes as planned.

Solicitor General Rich Coleman announced Friday that SkyTrain
constables are being given new powers.

"Passengers need to feel safe when they use SkyTrain," Coleman said.
"We're creating a new policing unit with increased authority to deal
with criminals."

Currently, the special constables can enforce only minor offences such
as fare evasion, unauthorized liquor, littering and assaults.

Under the new plan, officers will have the authority to enforce drug
laws, execute outstanding warrants and arrest people who have
committed crimes outside of a SkyTrain station.

"I think this is an important announcement for people in New
Westminster because we have five SkyTrain stations in our community. I
know this is a big concern for some people in New Westminster," said
local MLA Joyce Murray, noting that SkyTrain safety was one of the top
issues brought up recently by her informal advisory group of about 50
people.

Murray notes that under the new plan, SkyTrain constables will be
accountable to a board of police chiefs from municipalities along the
SkyTrain line.

"I think that direct connection with New Westminster and the
priorities from police will make it that much more effective to police."

The new force is expected to be set up by the end of the year. But
what equipment the officers will carry and where their jurisdiction
will end is still up in the air.

A press release from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor
General states that the 77 officers of the unit will wear a 'police'
shoulder patch on their uniforms. Although they won't carry firearms,
the ministry notes that "the Justice Institute of B.C. will review
equipment policy, including handguns, once the unit is operating."

Officers will be able to make arrests outside of SkyTrain property but
how far their authority will reach is still to be determined, said the
release.

Staff Sgt. Casey Dehaas of New Westminster police says the local force
supports the plan. "I think it's a positive move. The more officers we
can have with officer's powers to enforce the laws, the better."