RCMP DISCUSSES ENFORCEMENT WITH TOWN

Rocky's RCMP is giving drug enforcement the highest priority in their
three-year business plan, which they discussed at the June 18 town council
meeting.

Staff Sgt. Larry Russell and Sgt. Brian Halladay answered questions about
making the community action committee more effective and increasing
helicopter time for Rocky Search and Rescue.

Council then unanimously accepted the plan, which has six "strategic
priorities": combating the illegal drug trade; reducing property and persons
crime; increasing amount of police staff; giving more education in the
community; increasing police visibility; and meeting with Town Council four
times a year for updates.

The biggest problem is drugs, according to the RCMP. In an earlier Town
Council meeting, S/Sgt. Russell said Rocky has a major drug problem.

In a later interview, Sgt. Halladay said the thriving economy is to blame
for the large drug trade in Rocky.

"There is a market for drugs," said Sgt. Halladay. When people have more
money to spend, he said, some will make poor choices with their money.

Sgt. Halladay was quick to point out this problem is not unique to Rocky. He
said Innisfail, Drayton Valley and other Central Albertan communities are
dealing with the increased drug trade. Rocky's problem is no bigger or
smaller, he said.

Increased seizures and more education are pointed out in the business plan
as being tools to bring down the drug trade. Both, however, have their
flaws.

In recent journalistic articles about America's "War on Drugs," big drug
busts are said to be public relations exercises by police forces. Although
pictures in the paper may show a $20 million marijuana bust, much more of
that goes unnoticed by the authorities.

Sgt. Halladay said he wouldn't comment on drug seizures being a waste of
time. "When there is a market," he said, "there will be those willing to
supply that market." He added enforcement is one tool in minimizing drugs in
the community.

That enforcement includes street checks and "drug enforcement projects,"
said Sgt. Halladay. He said the Town's special constable can keep the police
informed of drug offenders in town as well, although he has no power to
arrest or detain offenders. Sgt. Halladay said enforcement "may include
undercover operations."

Another tool to combat drug use is educational programs. Sgt. Halladay said
the RCMP will educate kids as much as possible on the dangers of using
drugs. He added some of members of the force are being trained in the DARE
(Drug Abuse Resistance Education), which will teach kids to make smart
choices. He added the RCMP is available to any group that wants information
in the form of a group presentation.

Education also hits a wall, said Sgt. Halladay. He said the police can spend
two hours a week with school kids, but some go home and spend a lot more of
their time in an environment where drugs might be acceptable.

"We can't control what people choose to do in the comfort of their home
without the judicial authorization to interfere with that," said Sgt.
Halladay.

He added the drug problem needs to be addressed because of the social
problems and crime involved with drug use.

"We want the community less hospitable to people involved in the drug
trade."

The three-year plan is effective immediately, although some programs, like
the bike patrol and increased visibility, have been in use for a while, said
Sgt. Halladay.