COPS' EFFORTS 'DESTROYED'

Abbotsford Police will investigate the reasons for a large number of stay
of proceedings in drug cases, police chief Ian Mackenzie said Tuesday after
a presentation by Court Watchers of B.C.

Gertie Pool, a member of Court Watchers, told police board commissioners
that much of Abbotsford Police officers efforts are destroyed in the
courtroom, with Pool claiming 97 per cent of cases ending up in a stay of
proceedings, a conditional sentence or probation.

Police board commissioners expressed concern about a high number of stay of
proceedings, but police officers say the stays may stem from the fact that
often only a portion of the multiple charges filed against an offender proceed.

As well, multiple people may be arrested at a grow operation and charged,
but charges will be stayed against some if others plead guilty and further
evidence indicates they were the only ones involved.

Police plan to meet with federal Crown counsel in the near future to
discuss the topic, and report back to the police board at a later meeting.