DESPITE CONCERNS, CRIME IS DOWN

Police say they are very much aware of the public perception that
crime in Vernon is out of control.

There has been considerable media attention recently on the drug
trade, as well as other criminal activities, but RCMP insists the
situation is not out of hand.

"We're letting the public know Vernon is a safe place," said Gord
Molendyk, with the Safe Communities Unit.

Among the recent issues have been drug deals outside of the Upper Room
Mission and RCMP?targeting prolific offenders. There has also been
considerable public focus on downtown after the Downtown Vernon
Association hired private security guards because of safety concerns.

Despite all of that, Molendyk says crime statistics are actually down
in Vernon, and public perception may be a result of the media and the
police.

"The press has covered a lot of activities so there is heightened
awareness. We (police) are also being proactive in providing the
details of arrests," said Molendyk.

Backing that view up is Insp. Steve McVarnock, who points to a recent
survey that indicates views about crime are based on what people see
and hear in the media.

"You guys are very powerful," he said to local newspapers and radio
stations.

To tackle these perceptions, McVarnock has made presentations to local
service clubs and launched weekly information sessions with the media.

"We want to give an idea of what we're doing behind the headlines," he
said.

The DVA recently asked city council for $40,000 to continue private
security patrols until the end of the year.

While not endorsing the request, McVarnock sees value in the private
patrols.

"I'd like to see them go until the end of the summer.," he said,
adding that the city's expanded bylaw enforcement unit needs time to
initiate training.

"If that (police and bylaw enforcement) is not enough to quell the
perception, I'd go to the city and say we need that additional help."

The private security officers attend the police detachment's daily
briefings.

"They are aware of the hot spots and people of interest," said
Molendyk.