West Shore R.C.M.P. Detachment Mayor’s Report - Town of View Royal

Annual Performance Plan:

As was discussed with Mayor and Council by my predecessor in earlier 2013, and in subsequent correspondence by myself, each R.C.M.P. Detachment is mandated to prepare an annual performance plan that addresses identified “local policing priorities.” These are identified through consultation with elected Officials and/or senior staff members and the priorities for the West Shore Detachment reflect those for all of the communities policed by West Shore. As such, our 2013/14 plan focuses on the following local issues that remain consistent throughout the Detachment jurisdiction:

1. Organized Crime- Drug Trafficking- reduce the impact of organized crime.
2. Traffic Safety- Contribute to safe roads
3. Police/Community Relations and Visibility- Community engagement through programs, education, and prevention.
4. Aboriginal Youth- Focus on community priorities with youth.
5. Property Crime- Reduce property crime; specifically theft from automobiles.

A brief update on the progress of these local initiatives follows the third quarter crime statistics as compiled below: Note: The A.P.P. follows the R.C.M.P. fiscal year of April 1st to March 31st.

Crime Statistics:

Within the following statistics we look for “trends.” This is significant as it relates to Crime Reduction initiatives designed to target prolific offenders and assists Detachment personnel in identifying crime issues and focusing resources. We continue to analyze and evaluate problem areas and problem individuals in an effort to target them for crime reduction initiatives via our general duty uniformed personnel and special teams. All members at the Detachment, including the General Duty members, plain clothes members, and specialized units contribute to this effort. Communication is maintained with the Regional Crime Unit (RCU), and the West Shore Detachment works collaboratively with RCU who provide additional resources and assistance focusing on Crime Reduction and Prolific Offenders.

Following these third quarter crime statistics are two (2) illustrative pie charts that reflect the entire Detachment file count, encompassing January 1st, 2013 through September 30th, 2013. These show the percentage share of files generated amongst the respective areas served by the West Shore R.C.M.P. Detachment. A similar chart depicting the previous year, 2012, is also attached revealing a like pattern of work distribution.

West Shore Detachment 3rd Quarter - July 1 - September 30th

Town of View Royal 3rd Quarter - July 1 - September 30th

YTD - January 1-September 30, 2013

1) Organized Crime- Reduce the Impact of Organized Crime:

Members of the West Shore Detachment are engaged in developing a Good Neighbour Agreement for local licensed establishments. The member tasked with this initiative has conducted research and consulted with RCMP Legal Services to draft a document which will be discussed and presented to the Community Partners and subsequently to the owners/managers of licensed establishments outlining agreements in regards to conduct of patrons and licensed establishments to reduce any negative impact and discourage organized crime from gaining a foothold in the West Shore Communities. Examples of this would include licensed establishments prohibiting the wearing of “gang” affiliated “colours”, specifically marked clothing or symbols, while in a licensed establishment. West Shore RCMP members also regularly conduct foot patrols at local licensed establishments, maintaining a presence and conducting ongoing assessments of activity and compliance with liquor laws. There have been a total of 49 bar “walk throughs” or checks for the year to date, covering all bars in the West Shore area.

Significant progress is also being made in regard to drug traffickers. 41 investigations have been entered into this quarter involving drug trafficking and 5 charges have been laid.

2) Traffic Safety- Contribute to safe roads:

The Municipal Traffic Unit at the West Shore Detachment has recently been brought up to strength with a second uniform member added to the unit. This member attended a Police Motorcycle Course in Ontario over the summer; as such both Municipal Traffic Members are now qualified to operate the police motorcycle.

The objective of increased traffic enforcement and contact is being met, with both the traffic members and uniform members of the West Shore Detachment conducting traffic enforcement. The Municipal Traffic Unit regularly updates the membership of areas of concern requiring a police presence to curtail aggressive driving and an emphasis is placed on impaired driving. At the start of the school year the traffic unit and members of the Community Police Section and General Duty focused on School Zones to ensure public safety and remind drivers that schools were back in session and the school zone speed limits were in effect. To date, there have been 1636 contacts made in relation to the Motor Vehicle Act since April 1, 2013. In addition are the following statistics related to traffic enforcement and impaired driving in the West Shore area since April 1, 2013:

• 19- Criminal Charges
• 27- 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (failed readings on a roadside screening device)
• 9 – 90 day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (based on refusal to provide a sample)
• 1 – 30 day immediate Roadside Prohibition
• 3 – 3 day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions
• 3 – 24 hour prohibitions

3) Police/Community Relations and Visibility-Community engagement through programs, education, and prevention:

The Crime Prevention Unit continues to carry out numerous functions in the community. These functions include School Liaison Duties, Auxiliary Constable Coordination, Community Policing Programs, Media Liaison, and Police Mountain bikes.

School Liaison duties include enforcement, education and intervention initiatives. Educational programs include DARE, Internet safety talks, and the Lock It or Lose It program. To date 12 sessions have occurred involving “Lock it or Lose it”, encouraging people to secure their vehicles and make them less susceptible to items being stolen. The volunteers at the Detachment are engaged and the Keep in Touch program continues. An Auxiliary Recruitment Drive is underway with a class of 12 new Auxiliaries being planned, which will bring the West Shore Detachment Auxiliary numbers to capacity, at 26 Auxiliary members. Classroom and practical instruction will begin once the Criminal Record and back ground checks are complete and will be completed entirely in-house by West Shore members.

Members have attended many Red Serge and Community Functions, including Canada Day Celebrations at Fort Rodd Hill.

Two Community Policing members attended the “Touch a Truck” event at the Western Speedway, showing the police vehicle and the marked DARE vehicle to over 1000 people in attendance.

A municipal traffic member and an auxiliary attended the Show and Shine on Goldstream Avenue with the police motorcycle and interacted with a significant crowd.

Two members attended the St. John Baptist Colwood Community Heritage Celebration in August.

The Fist Nation Policing Officer attended the Caring for First Nations Children Society Open House to honour those impacted by Residential Schools in early September.

A Community Policing Officer attended the Trade Fair and Symposium on Youth Homelessness at Belmont Secondary in September.

Two regular members and two auxiliary constables attended the Town of View Royal 25th Anniversary celebrations in September.

A Community Policing Officer attended the Colwood Rotary Breakfast Meeting and presented on the Community Policing Unit at the Detachment.

The West Shore Detachment had a significant presence at the Rock the Shores event, both on foot and police bike, having a positive engagement experience with those in attendance.

One member of the Community Policing Unit has been identified as a liaison with other police agencies and community partners to assist in educating the public on the impact of graffiti and to help reduce the amount of graffiti in the community by identifying suspects. This member is receiving specialized training and will be utilized as a resource for the entire Detachment.

Four new bikes were purchased in the spring and a regular bike patrol schedule was implemented over the summer months. Members assigned to bike patrol were present in local high traffic parks and were well received by the public. Areas that received significant attention included View Royal areas of Thetis and Prior Lake, Colwood Look Out Lake Park, and Juan de Fuca Recreation area, and Langford's downtown core as well as Langford Lake. Some bike patrols were also made in the First Nations Areas of Songhees and Esquimalt First Nations as well as Admirals/Craigflower area. Due to injuries and other unavoidable reasons, the bike patrols members faced resource challenges. None-the less, they made a visible presence and foot patrols were utilized by members who were restricted from the bikes for medical reasons. Joint water patrols were also made on Thetis Lake with the assistance of the South Island Integrated Marine Unit, and bike safety seminars were provided in partnership with the Park Rangers at Thetis Lake. The bike patrols were considered to be very successful and it is anticipated they will be an integral part of future plans.

4) Aboriginal Youth – Focus on Community Priorities/Youth:

Meetings were held with the Chief and representatives of the Songhees and Esquimalt Fist Nation where community priorities were discussed and identified. The dedicated First Nation Constable (FNP) was unavailable for the majority of this quarter and due to resourcing issues an identified replacement had to be retained in his role in General Duty Policing. None the less, several traffic/impaired driving road blocks were conducted as well as one Marine Patrol.

The FNP member returned to shift in September and met with the Shoreline Middle School and Craigflower Elementary School administration to outline his role as school liaison for the First Nation Community Policing Unit and planned upcoming community policing presentations and arranged his DARE schedule. The FNP member has also arranged to attend Shoreline School's “Nights Alive” youth program every Wednesday evening and will engage with the youth.

The FNP member attended the Shoreline School's Harvest Festival with school staff and First Nation students in mid September and attended the Royal Roads University Opening Ceremonies for the First Nations House. The FNP member will also be participating in ceremonies and canoe paddling in the Esquimalt Lagoon with Songhees and Esquimalt First Nation students.

Early in September the FNP member attended the BC Caring for First Nations Children Society Truth and Reconciliation Ceremony and was honoured with being asked to be a “special witness” for the ceremony and participated in the drumming. He also attended the Esquimalt Nation Chief and Council Dinner with the View Royal Mayor and Council.

5) Property Crime- Reduce property crime; specifically theft from automobiles:

The West Shore Detachment has initiated a curfew check program to monitor individuals placed on court ordered curfew. These individuals are typically property offenders and the curfews are initiated as a result of their nocturnal illegal activity. The West Shore RCMP has partnered with the Probation Office and internal bulletins are prepared weekly outlining individuals on court ordered curfews and random checks are conducted to ensure individuals are in compliance with conditions placed upon them.

From April to June 2013 sixty-three (63) individuals were placed on curfew, 70 curfew checks were conducted and 17 charges were laid in relation to individuals breaching their conditions. 334 curfew bulletins were prepared and disseminated to West Shore RCMP members during this period.

From July to mid-September 2013 fifty-five (55) individuals were placed on curfew, 55 curfew checks were conducted and 7 charges were recommended for individuals found to be breaching their conditions. 177 curfew bulletins were prepared during this time period.

In regard to theft from vehicles, the “Lock it or Lose it” program is active and the West Shore Detachment area shows a total of 86 Theft from Vehicles for this quarter and a year to date total of 172. By way of comparison for the same periods in 2012 there were 203 Theft from Vehicle reports for this same quarter and the year to date for 2012 showed 312 Theft from Vehicles.

Human Resources Status Report:

Established regular R.C.M.P. member total: 60 members with one position currently being classified and assigned for a total of 61.

• 29.05 City of Langford
• 16.6 City of Colwood
• 8.35 View Royal
• 6 Provincial
• 1 First Nations Community Policing

(Note- this total of 61 includes the current Sgt position being created and one Police Service Dog and Ident which are shared amongst the Municipal partners. The Forensic Identification member is paid through the municipal partners, but does not report to the West Shore Detachment).

Of these 61 members 5 are seconded to integrated units and work outside of the Detachment itself:

• 2 members seconded to Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (VIIMCU)
• 1 member seconded to the Regional Crime Unit (RCU)
• 1 member seconded to the Regional Domestic Violence Unit (RDVU)
• 1 member assigned to the Forensic Identification Unit, but funded through the Detachment through shared costs.

(All of the West Shore commitments to these integrated units are currently full)

Current Actual Total in West Shore: 56. Currently all positions are full, although five members are in transition and in the process of selling their homes and transferring out, and five members have been identified and are transferring into the West Shore Detachment. We also have two (2) members who are on restricted duties and will soon be departing on Maternity/Paternity leave, and have adjusted resources for this. As well, there are three (3) members currently on light or restricted duties due to medical situations.

Prisoner Statistics:

The total number of prisoners lodged in Detachment cells for the period covering the 1st of January 2013, to the 30th of September, 2013, was 501.

Please find below a copy of the Guard Room Stats for your convenience.

MONTH

YEAR TO DATE

INTEGRATED POLICING UNITS:

The West Shore Detachment participates in a number of integrated units. The following outlines a brief description of the units the West Shore Detachment participates in.

Integrated Teams and Collaborative Efforts Within the CRD

1) Police Dog Services

There is an MOU between the RCMP and Victoria PD and a separate MOU between the RCMP and Saanich Police which provides that police dog teams from all jurisdictions will attend calls anywhere in the CRD. By working collaboratively, there are 11 police dog teams available which means that there's almost always a team on duty even with illness, training and vacation. The MOU with Victoria provides that the RCMP and Victoria will not charge each other any costs, even if we have to call someone out of bed. The MOU with Saanich is largely the same except that costs will be charged back for travel, meals and OT. This is not an integrated unit, just a way of co-operating which has been formalized by way of MOUs.

• Participation is beneficial but not mandatory.
• This arrangement does not involve cost sharing or a separate budget.

These positions are currently fully staffed.

2) Mobile Youth Services Team (MYST)

This is a one member team, currently staffed by Victoria Police, which targets youth at risk. This position has an educational component with the incumbent providing school and community talks on subjects ranging from high risk behaviour to internet safety. The position also has an operational component in dealing with youth in the sex trade, drug culture and some internet based investigations. CRD detachments and municipal police agencies fund this unit proportionally. An MOU is in place. A review is currently underway regarding this position. A presentation and request was received at the September Area Police Chief's meeting for funding of one additional police officer. No decisions have been made pending a review of the unit and current position.

• Participation is beneficial but not mandatory.

This position (1 RM) is currently staffed.

3) Integrated Mobile Crisis Response Team (IMCRT)

This team is available for intervention or advice in dealing with suicidal persons or violent incidents where mental health is a suspected factor. The team works evenings and weekends when other resources are scarce. The West Shore RCMP and other municipal agencies contribute to the team financially. There is an MOU in place.

• Participation is beneficial - not mandatory but an expectation from BC Coroner’s Service.

These positions (2 RM and 2 VIHA) are currently fully staffed.

4) Regional Crime Unit (RCU)

This is a property crime unit with a focus on intelligence lead enforcement and prolific offender management. The unit, created in 2008, has been highly successful and is part of the Solicitor General's Crime Reduction Initiative. The unit has a secondary mandate to deploy specialized skills (surveillance) to CRD agencies on a case by case basis with approval of the Joint Management Team. The unit is comprised of members from Saanich Police (4 RM, 1 ME), Oak Bay Police (1 RM), Provincial RCMP (3 RM, 1 CM Analyst) and West Shore Municipal RCMP (1 RM). Sooke and the Sooke RCMP Detachment continue to be involved and contribute financially to the unit. This matter is currently up for review by the Sooke Council. Recently Sidney/North Saanich, Victoria Police Department, and Central Saanich withdrew from this unit. An MOU is currently being ratified by all agencies.

Due to the recent changes in the partner agencies meetings have been held with the remaining partners to discuss sustainability and cost factors for this unit. It was agreed that the current formula for assessing contributing agency costs would remain in effect through 2014. At these meetings it was also discussed that the RCU would be downsized by one Sergeant position, which resulted in the West Shore Contribution remaining consistent and in line with its current obligations for 2013 and 2014. Due to the reduced number of involved agencies, and based on the new model to assess funding which will come into effect for this unit in 2015, it is anticipated that the West Shore Detachment will see a significant increase in costs to continue to participate in this unit: in the range of an additional $80,000. These costs will be shared and weighted within the West Shore municipal partners. The West Shore Detachment is receiving credit for the Provincial Policing contribution made to the unit which is being calculated in the funding formula. As part of the ongoing discussions the mandate of this unit was also expanded to allow the unit to focus on identified “hotspots” or problem areas, such as areas where a rash of thefts or break and enters are occurring without a suspect being identified.

These positions are currently fully staffed.

5) Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit (Homicide)

This unit investigates all homicides and police related shootings for Victoria Police, Central Saanich Police Service, provincial RCMP jurisdictions and West Shore Detachment. The unit will also investigate in RCMP municipal jurisdictions on the Island and cost it back to the municipality. An MOU is in place.

• Participation is not mandatory.
• Funding formula, which is currently under review, is based upon historical counts for homicides, in custody deaths and police related shootings. Each jurisdiction pays for extraordinary costs (Party VI or UCO) when they are encountered in an investigation.
• This unit's funding formula is outside of that agreed to by the Area Chiefs.

6) CRD Domestic Violence Unit

This unit evaluates domestic violence cases and investigates high risk situations throughout the CRD. All CRD municipal agencies and RCMP detachments contribute proportionally with funding, resources or both. West Shore RCMP contributes 1 municipal RM; Saanich Police contributes 1 RM and Victoria Police contributes 1 RM. 1 ME is paid for by all contributing agencies. In addition to police resources, there are also 2 Victim Services Workers and one Social Worker attached to the unit.

During the September Area Chief's meeting a presentation was made by the Sergeant of the Regional Domestic Violence Unit to fund one additional police officer. No decision was reached and continues to form part of the overall discussions on funding integrated units.

• Participation is considered mandatory, having been directed by Police Services Division.
• Total cost is divided among participating agencies based on each agency’s proportion of total sworn members in the CRD.

These positions (3 RM, 1 ME) are currently fully staffed.

7) CRIMESTOPPERS

Currently the West Shore Detachment has been a participant in the Victoria Area Crimestoppers. This service was being received at no cost and in the early spring of 2013 agreements had been made for RCMP Detachments to contribute for this service. The invoice has now been received, with the current cost of $16,123 coming out of current Detachment funds for 2013. For 2014 the Crimestoppers budget attributes costs to the West Shore Detachment at $14,396.

NEW INTEGRATED POLICE FUNDING MODEL AND BUDGET APPROVALS.

In previous years funding for the integrated units was based solely on Detachment/Agency strength based on the number of police officers. In early spring of 2013 discussions were held amongst the Area Chiefs and a decision was made and ratified to change this funding formula to more fairly capture and distribute the funding costs amongst the involved agencies. Funding for the integrated units moving forward will now be assessed based on four quarters, specifically 1/4 Detachment/Agency strength (number of police officers), 1/4 Population of the community, 1/4 aggregate files (5 year average) and 1/4 property assessments.

FUNDING FOR INTEGRATED UNITS WEST SHORE DETACHMENT PARTICIPATES IN:

I have attached an outline of the 2014 budgets for the integrated units. It is noted that based on the new formula the cost to the West Shore Detachment will increase for the MYST and IMCRT units, however, this will be offset by savings in the RDVU.

See Appendix 1.

FILES OF NOTE:

The Regional Crime Unit (RCU)

On 13-08-31 a member of the Sooke RCMP contacted the Regional Crime Unit regarding an individual he had identified as a possible suspect in two separate overnight thefts from vehicles at the Prestige Hotel. RCU initiated an investigation and conducted several days of surveillance. On 13-09-06 a member of the West Shore Detachment also identified this same individual as a suspect in a theft from vehicle at the Great Canadian Casino and shared his information and investigation with them.

Based on all of the available evidence the Regional Crime Unit RCU applied for a warrant to the suspect’s residence in Sooke for further evidence. On 13-09-17 RCU executed a search warrant on Anna Marie Road in Sooke and seized a number of items of suspected stolen property. The ensuing follow-up investigation positively identified recovered stolen property from each of the two original Sooke theft from vehicle files. Also recovered were two mountain bikes positively identified as stolen from West Shore RCMP files and a set of Nike golf clubs recently reported stolen in a Sooke RCMP file. Further investigation is continuing to identify other items seized during the search.

The Regional Crime Unit is completing court documents recommending charges of Theft Under $5000 X 3 and PSP Under $5000 X 4. They will also be requesting a warrant for the arrest of the suspect, who has currently relocated out of the South Vancouver Island area. To date a total of 3 Sooke files and 3 West Shore files have been resolved and with thefts attributed to this individual.

Regional Domestic Violence in Relationship Unit

The Capital Region Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) won the Premier’s Award for Promoting Innovation and Excellence in the Partnership category.

The Capital Region DVU was developed in response to recommendations stemming from the tragic Lee murders in Oak Bay. There was a call for increased coordination and information sharing amongst justice and child protection partners in order to more effectively respond to highest risk domestic violence cases. The Capital Region DVU co-locates police community-based victim services (Victoria Women’s Transition House Society) and a MCFD child protection worker within the Saanich Police Department. The DVU handles highest risk cases from several police jurisdictions in Greater Victoria including RCMP detachments and municipal police departments in Victoria (Esquimalt), Saanich, Central Saanich, Sidney/North Saanich, Oak Bay, West Shore and Sooke. The West Shore Detachment has one member who is on the RDVU and contributed to this honour.

West Shore RCMP Detachment

The Detachment has had a successful quarter. Previous files were noted in the monthly Mayor's reports. This past month the West Shore Detachment dealt with two separate incidents of escapees from the William Head Federal Correction Center. A subsequent meeting was held including myself, S/Sgt. WILLIS and the Warden and his staff at the correctional center to examine the circumstances as well as develop plans for similar future events should they occur.

On September 16th, a home invasion occurred on Wild Ridge Way. On duty members were able to quickly locate and apprehend three fleeing suspects, resulting in the police recommending charges of robbery with a firearm, wearing a disguise with intent, possession of stolen property, possession of a prohibited weapon and illegal possession of body armour.

On September 25, an on duty uniform member of the West Shore Detachment stopped a vehicle in the early morning hours. As a result of his investigation and intuition he was able to determine the vehicle had been stolen while the owner was asleep and unaware his vehicle was missing. As a result of this astute member two individuals were taken into custody and charges are being recommended for the theft of vehicle and possession of stolen property. Property was also located, traced back to West Shore Break and Enter file as well as a stolen licence plate.

The West Shore RCMP is also monitoring the 40 Days of Life Demonstration in View Royal. This is a pro-life demonstration regarding abortion issues at the Vancouver Island Women’s Clinic on Helmcken Road.

In addition, please find an annual report regarding Block Watch for the West Shore Detachment.

See Appendix 2.

Additional attachment for your review:

Greater Victoria Integrated Police Units Protocol

Respectfully submitted, Staff Sergeant Larry Chomyn Acting Officer in Charge, West Shore R.C.M.P. Detachment