Residents of the North Okanagan’s rural communities are being consulted directly on policing services. The North Okanagan Regional District recently launched the Safe Communities program for the five electoral areas and that has resulted in several meetings with groups in the BX, Cherryville, rural Lumby and rural Enderby. “We are trying to see what programs they have a need for,” said Kathryn Birnie, regional program co-ordinator. “It’s all about building relationships with them.” Among the groups Birnie has met with are community clubs and schools in all of the communities so they know that she is available to help them with policing issues. “I give them information so they can see where we can work together,” she said. Among the matters arising is whether there is a need for a Block Watch initiative in parts of rural Lumby. “In our community, there’s a great deal of interest to participate (in Safe Communities), particularly with the seniors,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. Birnie works closely with the RCMP detachments in Lumby, Enderby and Vernon. And Insp. Steve McVarnock, officer in charge of the North Okanagan RCMP, says the new Safe Communities program fits in well with the force’s 2008 priorities of crime reduction, communications and road safety. “I see an opportunity with Kathryn and the electoral areas to drive home those priorities,” he said. “We are not working in isolation but together.” McVarnock expects the RCMP may about some criminal and safety issues as a result of Birnie’s interaction with the public. "She will link with the local detachment commanders and say this is a concern or something of interest and they can tailor their activities around that,” he said.The North Okanagan’s five electoral areas are geographically large, but Birnie is prepared to meet the needs of residents.“With a vehicle and laptop computer, I am mobile and accessible.”
No comments:
Post a Comment