Community policing pitches rural co-ordinator

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 20

Since the District of Coldstream scrapped community policing earlier this year, an opportunity for a similar service has arisen. A rural programs co-ordinator is proposed to be shared between Coldstream, Lumby, Enderby, Armstrong and Spallumcheen. Sharing the program would mean Coldstream would receive one day (seven hours) per week for one year at a cost of $14,668. “I think there’s enough workload out there to support that easily,” said Terry Pakenham, with the Vernon RCMP Safe Communities Unit. Since the program is currently based on a five-partner formula, it needs approval from all partners before it can be implemented. It is based on a 12-month period, for now.

Coldstream is supporting the idea, as long as there is a six month and a final review, before the 12 months is up. Aside from Coldstream, Pakenham said the program has been supported in theory by the other partners but hasn’t received official approval. In Lumby, the program is being debated as some feel it should be part of existing RCMP services. Through the co-ordinator, several programs would be at the municipalities’ fingertips. They include Block Watch, Crimestoppers, restorative justice, Citizens on Patrol, speed watch and more. Just what programs would be implemented in each municipality depends on its needs, said Pakenham. “We will find out what it is that you want and what it is that you need,” said Pakenham, advising that there’s often a big difference between what’s needed and what’s wanted. “That would have to be a decision made by your council and your community as to what your community needs.” With one rural program co-ordinator, Pakenham said the program comes with partnership benefits. “You’re going to see a continuity of program delivery...everybody’s going to be on the same page.“With that, you’re going to have more bang for your buck.”