1988 Responses to “Comments And Questions”

Pages: « 199 … 178 177 176 175 174 [173] 172 171 170 169 168 … 1 » Show All

1. 1728
   Peter Victoria
   March 13th, 2010 at 2:28 am

   Hello,

   I have a quick qestion, I want to be a police officer when
   I’m older but I have 2 tattoos 1 on my back shoulder and 1 on my left calf(one is a shotglass with my name on it and the calf one is a football with the Canadian leaf) now will having these tattoos hurt my chances at becoming a police officer? Or will I have to get them removed to be a police officer? If you could get back to me that would be great thank you.

   Saanich Police Response:

   Well, considering that the officer writing this response has a tattoo or two and is still gainfully employed I wouldn’t be too concerned, if I were you, about your tattoos negatively influencing the success of your application (more on the “shot glass” further on). We don’t have a policy in place that prevents applicants from having tattoos or from serving members getting tattoos. Many officers with Saanich have tattoos and many of those have had their work done after having been on the job for some time. In such cases, the individual officer keeps in mind his or her role as a police officer, the professional image that must be maintained, and the expectations of both the department and the public.

   The only time that tattoos would hurt your chances of becoming a police officer is if those tattoos are controversial or hateful in nature (ie racist) or if perhaps the individual was tattooed to such a degree that we would be concerned about that persons professional appearance when in uniform. In regards to the “shot glass” if, as part of the application process, we find that the tattoo has associations to a negative lifestyle then, of course, the Staff Development Section would keep this in mind when considering your application.

   Thanks for writing in, Peter, and I wish you success! 

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

2. 1727
   mk, saanich
   March 13th, 2010 at 12:30 am

   Hi there

   I realize you get paraise on this site and know you can’t comment on another case but I had someone throw an item at my car and damaged it and then assaulted me but i was not harmed. An officer went to the scene that was just down the road but didn’t give me his name and told me to go home. I reported it later that day and when I told the desk officer if they can use the communication logs from that night to find the officer I reported it to I was ignored and told my case wouldn’t proceed. How serious does a case have to be for the police to care? I mean really would if the object this peson threw hit me and I crashed, then would the police care? Just a suggestion

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi MK, thanks for writing in.

   I am sorry to hear that you have run into some difficulties dealing with this incident. From what you have described, I don’t understand why we would not be entering into an investigation. As you acknowledged, I am in the dark on the circumstances of your file as I have no way of looking it up without your particulars and so I can’t give an educated answer specific to this file.

   However, our policy on providing officer ID instructs us that “police officers will not conceal their identity or hesitate to state their PIN (Personal Identification Number) or surname or rank and surname when requested to do so”. And as for what occurred at the front desk, we should be assisting you in obtaining the file number (if there is one) and in getting in touch with the officer that had attended the scene.

   MK, you are welcome to email myself at kdcdukeshire@saanichpolice.ca and I will put you in touch with either the officer that attended the scene or his supervisor, whomever you are most comfortable with. In order for me to find the proper file or police attendance, please provide your name, birthday, date and location of the incident in your email. You will then be able to have a conversation with either officer. The attending officer will be able to answer any questions you may still have and if you are unsatisfied with how the matter was handled the supervisor can review the file to determine if anything further could have been done.

   Hope this helps. I look forward to hearing from you.

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

3. 1726
   nicholas, Los angeles
   March 12th, 2010 at 8:50 pm

   i am a 15 year old kid and my father works for the los angeles county sheriffs department and i collect patches and coins from all over the country and i was wondering if you guys can add on to my collections

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Nicholas, thanks for writing in and thanks for including us in your collection! It will be our pleasure to mail a patch off to you. I just sent you an email, so once you respond to that we will get that patch in the mail.

   Take care and I hope all is well in LA!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

4. 1725
   Sean, Saanich
   March 12th, 2010 at 4:23 pm

   I noticed the victoria police department is making switch from crown victoria cop cars to the new dodge chargers. Im curious if you will switch to the dodge chargers when you order new models as the crown victoria has now been taken out of production.

   The new 2012 ford police interceptor recently announced. Sounds safer and better bet since mechanics are allready familiar with fords. And choice of 265 or 365hp engine would be nice im sure. Apparently mirrors will feature blind spot detection system and there will be backup sensors as well as backup camera. The use of fords sync voice command is supposed to in future allow officers to simply speak out commads for things like radio or sirens or lights as well.

   I think the dodge chargers and too beefy and oriented towards giving off a macho vibe, doesnt scream community policing. Love to hear if your department is swaying one way or the other

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Sean, thanks for writing in.

   To answer your question I spoke with our Chief who advised that we are staying with the Crown Victoria. In fact, we have just recently ordered seven new Crown Vics. Apparently, there has been talk for many years that the Crown Victoria may be discontinued but Ford is continuing to produce “fleet vehicle” models such as taxis and police cars. You may have more accurate recent information on the Crown Victoria line but that is where we, the department, stand now.

   All of our interior equipment, ie interior screen, light/siren systems, computer, back seat, window bars etc, are fitted to the Crown Victoria and so when the day comes that the Crown Victoria is no longer an option for us we will be looking for a vehicle that will best transition to these considerations. I sure like the sound of the voice-activated features the 2012 Police Interceptor may offer. The more we have both hands on the wheel the better, especially when responding to an emergency.

   Thanks for your input, Sean. Hope you have a great day!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

5. 1724
   MJ, Victoria
   March 10th, 2010 at 6:15 pm

   I live in a high-rise strata building in Victoria. All units are owner-occupied (no rentals are allowed). There is one suite that we are concerned about, that of an female owner who moved a boyfriend in with her about a year ago. There have been several incidents with the boyfriend, he won’t tell us his name, he has acted menacingly towards several owners who attempt to talk to the owner. We do know that he drinks to excess and we suspect he may be using illegal drugs. This past week they purchased a second car and he is observed driving it on a regular basis. Is there anything we can do to protect ourselves, or do we just have to wait until an “incident” occurs?

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi MJ, thanks for writing in.

   I am sorry to hear that you and your neighbours are experiencing difficulties with this individual. However, outside of the suspicion of possible drug use there doesn’t appear to be anything criminal taking place here. In regards to his “menacing” behaviour, if his behaviour is threatening or abusive enough then the person who has been subject to this behaviour is welcome to report the matter to the police. There may not be enough to go forward with charges but it may merit a discussion between this individual and the police as a preventive measure as well as a means to document with the police his behaviour and the concerns of the residents. In regards to the second car and his driving, if anyone witnesses him drive or about to drive and it appears as though he is under the influence of alcohol or drugs then the police should be called.

   On the strata side of things, I would suggest, if it hasn’t already been done, to bring the matter up with the council and/or property manager. If this individual is causing disturbances in the building then I believe there would be a system in place where an official warning and potential fines could be imposed. Also have a read of Post #1687. In my answer to that question, I provided a couple of links to strata related associations as well as make mention of a column in the Times Columnist called “Condo Smarts”. Both the links and the column may be a good resource to you on this matter.

   Lastly, both on the strata side and the police side, it is important to document all the negative behaviour of this individual as the incidents occur. This history will support any actions the strata council and/or the police may wish to take.

   Good luck, MJ, and I hope this helps.

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

6. 1723
   Timothy, Saanich
   March 10th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

   In further interest in question 1707, if someone did commit an offence, but was never charged or convicted for it, would that be purged after x period of time or remain indefinately? IE would a record exist on a person 30 years of age where an offence took place when he was 20?

   Yes I am the person in question. I made a bad choice when I was 20, was interviewed by police, but I was not arrested, no charges were ever laid, nor was I given any conditions. I was told to correct my behavior, and beleive me I have.

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Timothy, thanks for writing in.

   There are files that would remain on our system for longer than 10 years. The retention date would depend on the nature of the offence. Not knowing the details of the file you refer to I would not be able to tell you whether it is still on the system or not. To find out you are welcome to attend the Saanich Police station at 760 Vernon Av with two pieces of ID, one of which has to be photo, and fill out a Freedom of Information request. On the request you can ask if this file still exists and if it does when is it scheduled to be purged. There is no fee for this service and the usual turn-around is a week to two weeks.

   Sounds like it might be worth your while to submit the request. Even though you know this file is a thing of the past I would imagine it would be a relief to know that the paper trail is as well.

   “As long as the world is turning and spinning, we’re gonna be dizzy and we’re gonna make mistakes.” ~ Mel Brooks

   Have a great night!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

    

7. 1722
   Tom, SW Saanich
   March 9th, 2010 at 2:07 pm

   Re: Post # 1717

   With all due respect, I don’t believe you answered the question.

   Please don’t get me wrong Cst. Dukeshire, I think you do a bang-up (great) job

   and I can only hope that if I get involved in a police incident, that it is with you.

   I didn’t see the ad, but I am curious, why would SPD place such an ad?

   P.S. I am a Chevy Chase fan and appreciate your “Europian Vacation” reference

   in post #1712 regarding ’round-abouts. Fortunately I am/was not that confused.

   -Tom

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Tom, good to hear from you again! And thanks very much for your kind words, I really appreciate them.  

   And looking back, you are correct, I didn’t answer that question from Mel as well as I could have. So, to do so, I spoke with a representative from the Saanich Municipal Hall who is involved with this ad campaign. She advised that these ads are to aid the municipality in updating our overall strategic plan which is being researched and reformulated as we speak. To better accomplish this goal, these ads are designed to contribute to community discussion and information sharing with the hopes that this will help point the strategic plan in the right direction for everyone. With this in mind it is my understanding that each ad has and will continue to invite input from the public to help update the strategic plan.

   Hope I did a better job in answering the question this time. Thanks Tom and thanks for your patience, Mel. And I’m glad you enjoyed the Chevy Chase reference. Believe me, I only mentioned it because I thought it was a very funny scene and it was somewhat relevant to the topic of our discussions.

   Have a great night!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

8. 1721
   dan view royal
   March 8th, 2010 at 10:10 pm

   I have a 30 foot Motor Home and i need to know the law regarding people that ride in the home portion.Do they have to wear seat belts in the living section when traveling.thank you in advance. dan

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Dan, thanks for writing in.

   Yes, your passengers, even if sitting in the “home portion”, must wear seat belts when the vehicle is being operated on a highway. Section 220(4) of the MVA states, “A person in a motor vehicle being driven or operated on a highway must, if the motor vehicle has properly attached to it a seat belt assembly for the seating position occupied by that person, wear the complete seat belt assembly in a properly adjusted and securely fastened manner.” Section 31.01 of the MVAR states that “trailers, mobile homes or recreational vehicles, and the equipment therein, manufactured on or after October 1, 1972, shall conform in all respects to the standards for trailers, mobile homes or recreational vehicles from time to time made by the Canadian Standards Association…” I spoke with a representative from a local RV dealership who advised that it is factory and safety standard that all motorhomes are equipped with seatbelts for seating designed for use when travelling, including “home portions”.

   Informative links:

   MVAR (Sec’s 31.01 - 32.05, Mobile Homes, Seat Belt Assemblies and Excemptions,  and 36.01 - 36.09, Child Seating, Restraints and Excemptions)

   MVA (Sec 220 Seat Belt Assembly and Use of Seat Belts)

   ICBC (Seat Belts)

   Hope that helps, Dan. Happy camping!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

    

9. 1720
   Alex
   March 7th, 2010 at 10:23 pm

   Hi my names alex **removed by site administrator** and I live in courtenay BC. I’am planning to move down soon to vic less then a year. i was just wondering how i could apply to be an officer.? and how long is training for. And even though I dont have my Full lisence yet but Iam 19 should I still alpply.

   thank you very much

   Saanich Police Response:

   Hi Alex, thanks for writing in. I have provided you with a link to our website. Once there, click on “Recruiting” and “New Recruits”. These pages will explain to you in detail the requirements and steps needed to apply. They also provide the phone number and email address to Sgt. Dean Duthie in Staff Development. Dean will be able to tell you better than I when would be the best time for you to apply. Once hired, training at the Justice Institute lasts for approximately 9 months, followed by a one year probationary class of constable.

   Good luck in your endeavours, Alex. Hope to see you soon!

   Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

10. 1719
    Cheryl, Saanich
    March 7th, 2010 at 5:39 pm

    I would like some feedback about the use of photos on our publicly accessible church website:
    1) There are some photos of children currently in our Sunday School on the website (no names). My understanding is that from a safety perspective, there should not be any face shots of current children. What is your recommendation about the safe limits re: posting photos?
    2) There are photos of adults from the church on the website. Are there any potential risks of having photos (without names) posted?
    3) At times there is also information posted on the website that include the name, phone number and/or e-mail address of church members - this information is not posted with a photo. Are there any risks related to this?

    Saanich Police Response:

    Hi Cheryl and thank you for your conscientiousness on the matter.

    I put your questions to one of our members in the Family Protection Unit who advised that as long as the parents have given consent for the child’s picture to be on the website then there is no undue risk. Most online offences against children are committed by someone who is already known to the child and family. In answer to your two other questions, more of the same applies. Before posting anyone’s photo or contact information touch base with the individual to ensure it is ok with him or her. Some people may be less comfortable with that kind of publicity than others.

    Any kind of public posting, whether it be a photo or contact info, comes with some degree of risk and it’s also good to remember that once this information is “out there” it is “out there” for good. Parents and individual adults should always keep this in mind.

    Hope that is of some help, Cheryl. Hope you enjoy your day.

    Response by Cst. Kris Dukeshire

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