1984 Responses to “Comments And Questions”

Pages: « 199 … 170 169 168 167 166 [165] 164 163 162 161 160 … 1 » Show All

1. 1644
   William Perry
   January 21st, 2010 at 11:45 am

   Re: Ill-conceived Victoria police priorities

   There are times, like now, where we read the newspaper and watch the TV news, and question whether our local politicians and police chief really understand the problems. I’m referring to Vic PD seeing alcohol as the main reason for violence in the downtown core, rather than Crack cocaine.

   Certainly, we can see the problems that cheap booze that’s being consumed and the anti-social behaviour, crime and serious health problems it causes, and that it needs tackling. Unfortunately, while everyone believes that there is a problem there is no unanimity about what to do about it. If the situation weren’t so serious, it would be laughable.

   Maybe Vic PD are hiding their heads in the sand, downplaying the use of crack cocaine and it’s affordable status…more affordable than most alcoholic beverages. One merely needs to walk downtown to see individuals using crack. It leaves me wondering what the Vic PD does see.

   The police provide enforcement of laws to maintain order and safety. They do not provide alcohol detox, detoxification, drug detox, or services associated with the effects and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and drug withdrawals from using heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, vicodin, xanax, valium, methadone, opiates, narcotics, methamphetamines, marijuana, lsd, hallucinogens, ecstasy, club drugs, inhalents or any other illegal drug, prescription drug, or controlled substances. The police are not an inpatient or outpatient medical facility of professionals.

   I do see this like other issues that have received incorrect priority status, such as Domestic Violence (which I commented on before).

   Something’s got to give and it’s up to you gentlemen, the Provincial Health Minister and Solicitor General. I believe that we, the voter and taxpayer, want to shown the government’s natural ability to compromise, and to take the lead. The Police should include agencies before they identify problems, because misidentified cost lives and misdirects funds, impacting both our safety and pocket books.

   I personally would like to see the Saanich Police Chief be outspoken on these issues, as Saanich do enjoy one of the best reputations in the province.

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi William, thanks for your comments. They hit on many challenges that modern day police forces, not just Victoria, are currently struggling with. This is not the forum to discuss what other police departments are doing about these problems. Having said that, I do know that the Victoria Police Department recognize these issues and are devoted to combating them as they police the streets of Victoria twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. 

   You are absolutely right that crack and other street drugs are a pressing concern in today’s society. I would argue however, based only on my experience as a police officer, that abuse of alcohol is still the most common underlying factor in the calls that police respond to on a daily basis. But this, in no way, takes away from the urgency of today’s drug problems. And you are correct in that police departments do not act as detoxification services but we do work with such services and often act as a conduit to these agencies. This is a societal problem and it will take efforts from all corners of today’s society to right the ship. I would hope that any police department out there as well as any social assistance agency would welcome input from any member of the community on how to better address these issues.

   It’s input and proactive concerns such as yours, William, that I hope will lead to better days.

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

    

     

2. 1643
   Caroleena, Saanich
   January 21st, 2010 at 12:01 am

   Hello,

   I read over the whole Victoria noise Bylaw, and I do not understand how it makes any sense. Within the provisions of the bylaw, it is saying that even a TV in someone’s house can cause a “disturbance of peace,” which one could therefore call the police and potentially get them fined. I don’t understand how University student’s cannot even have a party in their house, without knowing that the police will show up. I would never call on any neighbour even if they were having a few people over. But, when my house threw a party, we went around to all the neighbours to let them know about the event, and we still got the police called. I understand everyone has to be respectful towards one another in a residential area, but it was a friday night at 9:45pm. We should have the right to hold events without feeling that trapped. And unfortunately, if I were to call the police because a neighbour was mowing the lawn early in the morning, or someone were to call on my house of “students” for being too loud with music, I already know from experience that I would be the one getting in trouble. It would have been more practical to have a time until noise was permitted. I am afraid to have a bbq in the middle of the day outside, knowing that a neighbour will call. It is not fair, because why is their opinion and feelings more important than others. There should be a balance in the system, and after reading over it there isn’t. Nobody is going to apply for an exemption from the provisions, especially if it is $50!

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Caroleena, thanks for writing in. I am sorry to hear about your frustrations. And thank you for you being so conscientious towards your neighbours when planning a party. It is sometimes difficult to come to a compromise in situations like this when a neighbour or neighbours feel that the peace is disturbed. Everyone has different perceptions of what that “peace” should be and attending police officers try to keep that in mind. In situations like these we try not to respond with a preformed opinion and instead, upon arrival, “have a listen” ourselves and then make a decision whether the noise is excessive or not.

   I appreciate the need for students to have fun and let off some steam once in a while. It’s a positive part of the whole university experience and I truly hope you and your friends are getting the opportunity to enjoy that aspect of university life. I suggest you continue keeping those communicaiton channels open with your neighbours and I hope that everyone on your block can find a happy medium. There is no harm in having a chat with the Saanich Municipal Bylaw Office as well. They may have some suggestions for you and it would give you an opportunity to submit your input. 

   All the best with your studies.

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

3. 1642
   Sue Cooper Toronto
   January 20th, 2010 at 5:20 am

   My brother lives in Victoria B.C. (somewhere in the southern area) I haven’t heard from him since March 9,2009. We contacted each other through facebook and I was wondering where I should start to look for him. P.S. I’m contacting some of the hospitals in Victoria as his health is poor.
   His name:
   is
   Rob Ledwards

   Thank You ,Sue Cooper (I can be contacted through the e-mail above)

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Sue,

   Unfortunately we, as a police department, can’t give out any personal information on someone or his whereabouts without that person’s permission. We have to respect that individual’s right to privacy.

   But having said that, if you have reason to fear for your brother’s well-being then I encourage you to report the matter to the police where your brother was last known to reside. If he lives “somewhere in the southern area” of Victoria then you should contact Victoria Police, as they cover the southern portion of the city, and request a “check the welfare”. If you are unsure of exactly where he was last residing feel free to contact Saanich Police to do the same. Neither department may be able to tell you where Rob is, depending on if he is found and if found what his wishes are, but we can do our best to ensure he is ok.

   I wish you all the best in your search.

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

4. 1641
   mike
   January 19th, 2010 at 12:13 pm

   i am wonder if identity theft is a Canada wide crime?

   if someone was charged with it in one province would the police be able to come after the said person if he moved to another province?

   say, for reference Alberta to Nova Scotia. and would he be charged with any other crimes for moving out of the province he was initially charged it.

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Mike, thanks for your question.

   There are several offences under the Canadian Criminal Code related to identity theft. If an individual commits one of these offences then he is generally only arrestable for that offence in the province where the crime was committed. In such a case, if the suspect is not arrested, a “province wide warrant” for his arrest is issued.  However, if the offence is far-reaching and extends past the borders of a single province then often a “Canada wide warrant” is issued in which case the individual is arrestable throughout the country. If an individual has a provincial warrant in Alberta but has moved to Nova Scotia and has dealings with police in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotian police would be made aware of the Alberta warrant and would then be in touch with Alberta to see what Albertas wishes would be regarding the warrant. There are occasions such as these when the provincial warrant is “extended” to the province where the suspect has been found.

   If the individual had been charged with one of these offences, or any offence for that matter, and was released with conditions not to leave the province and then did so he would be arrestable for breaching the conditions of release.

   Phew! Hope that all made sense and is of some help to you.

   Response by Cst.Kris Dukeshire

5. 1640
   Bill, Victoria
   January 19th, 2010 at 11:13 am

   I was charged with driving while prohibited even though the officer never saw me driving. Did he have the right to get my car towed?

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Bill. Thanks for writing in.

   If you were charged with Driving While Prohibited then the officer did have the right to tow and impound the vehicle. The two go together as mandated by the Superintendant of Motor Vehicles and the BC Motor Vehicle Act. The impound can be appealed but the appeal is to be put forth by the registered owner to the Superintendant of Motor Vehicles.

   Hard for me to comment on any further details of your incident as I was not involved but if you still have questions or concerns regarding the investigation you can contact the investigator or his/her supervisor.

   Enjoy your weekend!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

6. 1639
   Katie, Saanich
   January 19th, 2010 at 10:33 am

   My dad killed himself on Jan 8 and since then, the compassion and true kindness in the detectives eyes have helped me go on. So thank you.

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Katie. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you have all the support you need right now. And that includes our department. The detectives that helped you, along with the rest of our department, are here anytime you need. We also have a counsellor here at the department who we would be more than happy to put you in touch with if you so desire.

   I will be sure to pass on your sentiments to the detectives involved. Take care, Katie.

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

7. 1638
   Pauline, Saanich
   January 19th, 2010 at 10:03 am

   It appears that my neighbor has acquired some sort of pellet gun. He was out in his back yard using it. I worry about letting my kids and dogs out to play in our yard. What are the “rules” regarding these guns?

   Saanich police Response:

   Hi Pauline, thanks for writing in. Under Saanich Municipal Bylaw #8092 no person shall discharge any firearm within the Municipality of Saanich (except for a limited number of exceptions). Under the bylaw “firearm” includes air guns, air rifles, air pistols and spring guns. So, no, pellet guns are not allowed to be discharged within Saanich.

   You can advise your neighbour of the above or if you are uncomfortable with that feel free to contact us. Enjoy the weekend!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

8. 1637
   Martin, Gordon Head
   January 19th, 2010 at 12:15 am

   Hello,

   I often have people over for drinks or parties at my house. I always do my best to ensure people have options for a safe ride home, or I let them spend the night.

   However, despite my efforts, a few times over the years I’ve had someone leave in their car after drinking what I thought was too much.

   I was wondering, if I am in a similar situation again and I decided to call 9-1-1, can I remain anonymous? I’d feel a little awkward turning in someone I know, but sometimes I don’t think I have a choice.

   Thank you!

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Martin. And thank you for being so conscientious on this topic. I understand how such situations can leave you feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place. Ultimately, your concern over one’s safety and that of the public needs to outweigh your concern over how such an action may affect a friendship.

   Yes, you can remain anonymous when phoning in an impaired driver. Often, if impaired driving charges are to be pursued, the more witnesses an investigator has the better the case but regardless we will respond and deal accordingly with any report of a drunk driver and do our best to ensure the safety of that individual.

   Thanks for your question. Have a great weekend!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

9. 1636
   Sam, Victoria
   January 18th, 2010 at 1:15 am

   What exactly counts as driving while on a cell phone? Can you be charged only on public roadways, not in a parking lot like at a mall? If you’re pulled over on the side of the road and talking on a cell phone does the car have to be off?

   Saanich Police Response:

   Sam,

   This new legislation falls under the Motor Vehicle Act which guides our behaviour when on roadways, regardless of what the roadway looks like.  Parking lots fall into this category and therefore you can be charged with this new legislation when in the mall lot.

   If you are legally parked - being parked means that you are not on the road and not obstructing the flow of traffic - then you may talk on your cell phone.  Your ignition does not have be off when you are parked.

   And what constitutes driving - well any time you are behind the wheel and are on a roadway.  This includes waiting at traffic lights, stopped in a traffic jam, driving down a quiet country road and everything in between.

   Response by Sgt. Julie Fast

10. 1635
    Sam, Victoria
    January 18th, 2010 at 1:11 am

    This is in regard to posting 1623. If the officer is investigating a traffic offense, can someone be arrested to obstructing justice by not giving their name?

     

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi Sam. Thanks for your question. Yes, a person could be arrested for obstruction if that person is the subject of a lawful police investigation and fails to give his or her name to the officer.

    In R vs MOORE, (1979), Supreme Court Justice Spence stated;

    “The police could only have arrested Mr. Moore for the summary conviction offence of proceeding against a red light if it were necessary to establish his identity.”

    “…that the officer was under a duty to identify him and that Mr. Moore’s failure to identify himself constituted an obstruction of a police officer in the performance of his duties.”

    Justice Spence further stated;

    “I add that in coming to this conclusion I have not forgotten the provisions of the Canadian Bill of Rights nor the topic of individual freedom generally but I am of the opinion that there is not even minimal interferance with any freedom of a citizen who is seen committing an infraction by a police constable in the police constable simply requesting his name and address without any attempt to obtain from that person any admission of fault or any comment whatsoever. On the other hand, the refusal of a citizen to identify himself under such circumstances causes a major inconvenience and obstruction of the police in carrying out their proper duties. So that if anyone were engaged in any balancing of interest, there could be no doubt that the conclusion to which I have come would be supported by overwhelming public interest.”

    Hope that answers your question, Sam. Have a great weekend!

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

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