Comments And Questions

Welcome to the Saanich Police Comments and Questions page. This page is intended to facilitate communications between the Saanich Police and the community. We invite you to comment and to ask any questions that may be of interest to you and the public. It is not designed as a reporting mechanism. Any specific complaints can be made directly by contacting the Saanich Police complaint desk at 475-4321.

This page is monitored daily and postings will be responded to as soon as possible. Some queries will require time to research. The Saanich Police reserves the right to edit comments that breach individual privacy or contain offensive remarks or language.

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Archives: (Comments Posted Before Feb. 22 2007)

1988 Responses to “Comments And Questions”

Pages: « 199 … 174 173 172 171 170 [169] 168 167 166 165 164 … 1 » Show All

  1. 1688
    Sean, Saanich
    February 17th, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    can officers use a different gun or flashlight if they chose to buy one with there own money? such a a lighter gun or led flashlight or something with higher output etc.

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi Sean,

    Members can carry personal flashlights on them while on duty but only firearms and ammunition authorized by the Chief Constable are permitted.

    Thanks for writing in and enjoy the sunshine!

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

  2. 1687
    Brian, Saanich
    February 17th, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Hi

    I am a member of a condominium strata council located in Saanich. Recently we have received several complaints about a strong smell of marijuana emanating from one of our units. It has been suggested that there is no point n contacting police as “this is happening behind closed doors” and that “police will not respond to a complaint of only a smell”.

    Are these statements accurate? What would you recommend we do in this matter? It should be noted that the occupants of this suite are “known to police”.

    Thanks

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi Brian. Sorry to hear that you and your neighbours are having to deal with this problem.

    The statements you refer to are not entirely accurate. If this is an ongoing problem and the odour is disturbing yourself and/or the neighbours then feel free to call our non-emergency line at the time the problem is occurring. We will respond and address the complaint. It is true, however, that our authority is limited to knocking on the door and making attempts at resolving the issue. Without consent, we are not allowed to enter the residence in a case like this. But hopefully our presence can help. In addition, it is a good idea to document when the problems occurs, ie time, date, duration, why you feel it is coming from a certain unit.

    I spoke with a local realtor who has a great deal of experience and training in matters such as these and she advised that your strata should get in touch with your property manager, if there is one, who can assist you in issuing a warning and potentially fines to the residents of the problem suite. As well, I was advised that the Vancouver Island Strata Owners Association and the Condominium Home Owners Association are two agencies that are great resources in situations like this.

    Lastly, look for ”Condo Smarts”, a column written by Tony Gioventu which runs every Wednesday in the Times Columnist. In it Tony, who is the executive director of the Condominium Home Owners Association, answers questions about strata concerns.

    Thanks for writing in and I hope the above is of some help to you, Brian.

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

  3. 1686
    Shae, saanich
    February 16th, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    how is it that i get a speeding ticket going 5 km over the speed limit, but walking home at 3 am a saanich police car speeds by me doing close to 120km/h swerving in both lanes? no lights, no sirens, just because he/she can

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi Shae, thanks for writing in.

    I will be honest, getting a ticket for driving 5 km/h over the speed limit sounds a little severe but I am in a bad position to comment on it having not been there at the time. I don’t know the circumstances, your driving history or any other possible contributing factors. And if, in fact, a Saanich police officer was driving at speeds of 120 km/h, swerving in both lanes, “no lights, no sirens just because he/she can” then there are channels in place where you can make a complaint and that complaint will then be investigated. When not responding to an emergency we, as police officers, must follow the same rules of the road as everybody else.

    To pursue the matter, Shae, feel free to attend or contact the Saanich Police Department to lodge a complaint. The front desk staff or call taker can assist you in how to formally lodge a complaint so that the matter can be investigated. 

    Drive safe, Shae, and have a good night!

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

     

  4. 1685
    Bob, Home
    February 13th, 2010 at 8:14 pm

    I have a question for Sgt. Fast;
    RE: Question 1676

    The accident happened in Saanich.

    Immediately after the crash, Horsley (a Saanich Police Officer) spoke at great length about the crash. He provided graphic and detailed descriptions of the events. He indicated he knew what Greg Smith was thinking at the time of the crash.

    It’s untruthful for you to say that the Saanich Police can’t comment on this case, when you already have, at great length.

    The question does in fact very much apply to the Saanich Police, and it stands. Please answer the question, and truthfully this time.

    Saanich Police Response:

    Bob,

    My response to Sam’s question stands as it is posted.  To clarify what Sam asked, here is his question:

    What was officer Greg Smith’s punishment for what he did to Mr. Mackay?

    This incident did not happen in Saanich, and the officer is not a member of the Saanich Police Department.  Sam asked about an incident that happened in the Victoria Police area.

    I do not know what case you are referring to but I assure you it is not the one that Sam posted his question about.

    The Saanich Police are committed to offering the best possible service to our community which is inclusive of being transparent and truthful in all that we do.  This truthfulness extends, of course, to our Questions and Comments page.  I do hope you understand that the spirit of this page is to listen to our community and to post the most accurate information we can provide.

    Response by Sgt. Julie Fast

     

  5. 1684
    Bob, Home
    February 13th, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    So a guy drives 7 kilometers down the Pat Bay Highway, in the WRONG LANE, and Saanich Municipal cops don’t charge him, don’t even write him a ticket.

    Did the age of the driver influence the decision not to even write a ticket? If so, that’s called discrimination, and it’s actually illegal.

    You should fix the corruption within your ranks. When someone of any age does something that endangers dozens and dozens of lives, you should do your jobs and charge them!

    Saanich Police Response:

    Good morning, Bob.

    I reviewed the file you are referring to and can see no evidence of any “corruption” or illegality in how the attending officer handled the incident. The officer assigned appreciated the urgency of the situation and responded appropriately. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the officer has requested, through the Office of the Superintendant of Motor Vehicles, a drivers examination to ensure the individual is fit to operate a motor vehicle.

    A ticket was not issued based on the fact that the driver, who has an otherwise clean driving history, will be re-examined as well as the officer’s consideration of private circumstances involving the driver that you would not be aware of. After reading the report, I am again grateful that we as police still have the opportunity to practise discretion as long as that decision does not compromise the safety of who we are dealing with or the public in general. In this case, it is clearly evident that the officer was appreciative of all the influencing factors and did not, at any point, forget his duties.

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

  6. 1683
    Barry,Colwood
    February 13th, 2010 at 10:38 am

    Hello. My comments are in regards to the McKenzie/Burnside intersection. It’s been a year now since I first contacted you about the illegal left turns off of Burnside onto McKenzie going south to the TransCanada Hwy. I travell this way five days of the week and at least three of those days I end up in confrontations with illegal left turns into the curb lane of McKenzie heading south to the highway. When I had first contacted the police in person and by phone,I was told that something would be done but alas nothing has been done and the problem still continues and seems to be getting worse. With the amount of money the force could make issueing tickets at this location, you not only pay the wages of the officers on site, but would have enough to pay for upgrades of any and all equipement you need elsewhere. You could have officers at this location five days of the week for at least three hours from 3:00 P.M. to 6:00P.M. and you wouldn’t know what to do with all the money you would generate.

    Saanich Police Response:

    Good morning, Barry. Thanks for writing in.

    I am familiar with the intersection and the recurring problems taking place there. And you are correct, it isn’t uncommon for drivers that turn left off of Burnside onto westbound McKenzie to illegally scoot across that first lane and enter immediately, without conducting a proper and safe lane change, the lane that eventually turns right on to the Trans Canada Highway.

    I have attached section 165 from the BC Motor Vehicle Act for readers to familiarize themselves with regarding turning and exiting at intersections. In summary, it states that a driver, when exiting an intersection after making a left turn, must first enter the lane closest to the centre line. The opposite is in effect when making a right turn, in which case the driver must enter the lane closest to the curb. Once either driver is in the appropriate lane then the driver can change lanes when it is safe to do so. Exceptions to this are when there are multiple turning lanes in which case you must remain in that designated lane until you are out of the intersection at which time the normal lane change rules apply.

    Barry, you are welcome to report traffic offences directly to our Traffic Safety Unit at traffic@saanichpolice.ca. The section has an officer assigned to fielding such complaints and would require from you in that email a statement describing the incident, the licence plate of the offending vehicle and your particulars. That officer would then follow-up with the driver of the offending vehicle. As well, I spoke with the Staff Sergeant in charge of our Traffic Safey Unit who advised that his members as well as general patrol members do enforce that intersection, have done so on a regular basis over the last year, and will continue to do so.

    Hope that’s of some help, Barry. Hope you have a great day.

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

  7. 1682
    Gboy
    February 13th, 2010 at 12:58 am

    Hi. I have a question regarding cyclists. I have bicyclists almost hit my car when they should be yielding to me and I also have been hit walking on a sidewalk. If this happens how can I get compensation.I know ICBC might help but can I hold a cyclist there until the polcie arrive if my car is damaged or I am hurt if they try and ride away? I mean it’s not like a car where you can get a licence plate. I mean are there any laws in the future to make bikes more accountalbe since they fall under the guise of some rules of the MVA. I mean there are more cyclists these days so shouldn’t they have insurance and plates? Like when cars first cam eout and there weren’t that many people didn’t need insurance or plates, I believe bu tnow they do. Bicyclists can cause harm too.

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi Gboy. Thanks for your question.

    Bicycles are becoming more and more accepted and common as a mode of transportation on our roads and highways and this is definitely a good thing. Good for the planet and good for our health. But with the increase in the number of bikes on the road comes a transition period with the laws governing them. I agree with you and would like to see some kind of registration system in place so that bikes and riders can be identified if need be. I believe this idea is the subject of ongoing discussion and review with police departments, municipalities, interest groups and motor vehicle branches across the contintent.

    As for being able to hold someone if they try to get away I have summarized sections 494 and 252 of the Canadian Criminal Code (CCC) below:

    Sec 494 (citizen’s powers of arrest)…any one may arrest without warrant a person they find committing an indictable offence or a person he believes has committed any criminal offence and is escaping persons of lawful authority. As well, any one who is in lawful possession of property or has been given authority over that property by one who is in lawful possession may arrest a person who commits a criminal offence on or in relation to that property.

    Most accidents and hit and runs fall under provincial legislation, ie the motor vehicle act, so the citizen would not have the authority to detain someone. But if the accident, ie bike hitting you while you walk on the sidewalk, causes “bodily harm” defined as any hurt or injury that interferes with the health or comfort of the person and that is more than merely transient or trifling in nature, and the cyclist tries to flee knowing he has injured you, then this could qualify as a criminal code “hit and run” under CCC Sec 252 Failure to Stop at a Scene of Accident which is summarized below:

    Sec 252 (Fail to Stop)…every person commits an indictable offence who has the care, charge or control of a vehicle (not defined under this section but not isolated to motor vehicles) that is involved in an accident with another person and with intent to escape civil or criminal liability fails to stop the vehicle, give his name and address, and where any person has been injured or appears to require assistance, offer assistance.

    Soooo….if this is still making sense….a minor accident causing no injury or minor injury and cyclist tries to flee = provincial = no citizen’s power to arrest. But an accident causing bodily harm and cyclist tries to flee = criminal code indictable offence = citizen can arrest.

    Sorry Gboy, I threw a lot at you there. Hope it made sense and answers your question. Have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine.

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

             

  8. 1681
    Deborah Miller
    February 12th, 2010 at 10:48 am

    Hello, I noticed a Forensic officer on my property taking pictures of our intersecting road signs. I also observed him taking photos within the property boundaries of the house directly accross the street . He also entered that same property with what appreard to be a small suit case and stool. Should I be concerned ?

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi Deborah,

    I spoke with the officer involved who advised that you have nothing to worry about. Out of respect for the privacy of those in your neighbourhood I, of course, can’t disclose any details as to why the officer was there.

    Public safety is our first concern and in cases where we feel we must relay pertinent information to neighbours for the sake of their safety we will ensure that we do so.

    Thanks for writing in, Deborah. Hope you enjoy the weekend!

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

  9. 1680
    GEORGE,SAANICH
    February 11th, 2010 at 9:50 pm

    Hi There,

    I was wondering what the consequences would be, if it was determined that an officer had detained someone in cells, unlawfully without just cause.

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi George,

    Depending on the circumstances, the individual who wishes to make the complaint has a number of options. That person can ask to speak with the supervisor of the officer concerned to discuss the incident and to get a better idea of whether the officer was in the wrong or not. If the complaint is justified then that supervisor would ensure that the proper disciplinary actions are taken. The complainant can also lodge a formal complaint through our Professional Standards Office by attending our office and filling out the complaint form (known as a ”Form 1″) which will then go to a member from the Professional Standards Office who will then investigate the matter. Lastly, the complainant can lodge the complaint directly with the Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner (OPCC) who will then investigate the incident.

    Based on the severity of the offence, the intent of the officer and any other number of circumstances that would be specific to the incident in question disciplinary actions could range from informal or formal warnings/training, and/or disciplinary measures directed by the Professional Standards Office or the OPCC to criminal charges against and dismissal of that officer.

    Hope that gives you some direction, George, and thanks for writing in.

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

     

  10. 1679
    Tom, SW Saanich
    February 11th, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    “School Bus Procedure” posted on your Media page Feb 10.

    Would you please clarify the wording used.

    “Flashing Lights”, does this include amber flashers as well as red?

    I was under the impression that traffic was to stop in all directions of travel only

    when the red overhead flashers where activated.

    I have recently seen some lengthy traffic back ups when school bus drivers had

    pulled to the side of the road and activated the overhead amber flashers for

    whatever reason, to talk on their cell phone, deal with unruly kids, I don’t know.

    These lengthy, and perhaps unecessary, back ups create traffic hazards of their

    own.

    Thank you, Tom

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi Tom, thanks for writing in and taking the time to ensure that you are driving safely around school buses.

    I spoke with a school bus driver who advised that most buses are set up with a two-stage light switch. The first activates the amber flashing lights which warn drivers that the bus is about to stop. If the bus is stopped and the ambers alone are flashing cars do not need to stop for the bus. Of course, any time a vehicle is pulled over with ambers flashing other drivers should pass using caution. Once the bus driver activates the second switch the red flashing lights turn on and the stop sign extends out. No vehicles may pass the bus in either direction until these indicators are off. I have inserted Section 149 of the BCMVA below for readers to familiarize themselves with.

    Meeting School Bus

    149 The driver of a vehicle on a highway, on meeting or overtaking a school bus

    (a) that is designated as a school bus,

    (b) that is stopped on a highway, and

    (c) on or near which a sign or signal is displayed indicating the school bus is receiving or discharging school children,

    must stop the vehicle before reaching the bus and not proceed until the bus resumes motion or the driver of the bus signals to other drivers that it is safe to proceed.

    Hope that’s of some help, Tom. Have a great weekend!

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

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