West Shore R.C.M.P. Detachment Mayor’s Report October to December 2013

View Royal

This reporting period encompasses the fourth three month period of calendar year 2013; October, November, and December. The intent of this correspondence is to provide the Mayor, Council, and Protective Services Committee with a brief overview of policing operations as they pertain to the West Shore RCMP Detachment.

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 fourth 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 October 1st, 2013 through December 31st, 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

4th Quarter - October 1-December 31

Town of View Royal

4th Quarter - October 1-December 31

YTD - January 1-December 31

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, consulted with RCMP Legal Services to draft a document and continues to discuss this agreement with the community partners. The member tasked with this initiative is continuing to meet with the community partners as well as introduce and discuss the agreement with the owners and managers of the licensed establishments. The goal of the agreement is to support the licensed establishments while reducing 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 continued to 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 20 bar "walk throughs" or checks for this quarter with members regularly being scheduled to focus on this initiative.

Significant progress is also being made in regard to drug traffickers. On October 30th the West Shore RCMP brought a covert project to fruition, arresting one local mid level drug trafficker and executing search warrants as a result. During the investigation and seizure 6 grams of heroin were seized along with 121.5 grams of "crack" cocaine, and 20.5 grams of methamphetamine. One individual is facing multiple charges and his vehicles were seized as offence related property. Other investigations involving drug traffickers continue.

2) Traffic Safety- Contribute to safe roads:

The Municipal Traffic Unit at the West Shore Detachment continues to be visible and actively engaged in traffic enforcement and education. A new unmarked SUV dedicated to the traffic unit is being obtained and will be outfitted shortly and additional radar units are being obtained to add to the general duty fleet.

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 on areas of concern requiring a police presence to curtail aggressive driving and an emphasis is placed on impaired driving. The Detachment has installed a tv monitor which provides information and messages to members at the detachment, advising them of problem areas in relation to traffic. Statistics from April 1st to November 30th reflect that the detachment is reaching its goal of increasing contacts/enforcement numbers by 5%, with total "contacts" to date being 2418.

From September to November the statistics are as follows:

• 484 Violation tickets issued
• 248 written warnings issued

Total contacts= 732

Impaired statistics:

• 5- Criminal charges
• 18- 90 Day Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (fail)
• 1- 90 day IRP (refusal)
• 3- 3 day IRP (warn)
• 4- 24hr prohibitions (alcohol)
• 4- 24hr prohibitions (drugs)

Collisions are up slightly but can be contributed to the change in weather and also the shorter daylight hours. The detachment is still currently at no fatal collisions since April.

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. In this quarter 5 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. New Auxiliary training is underway, with a class of 12 new Auxiliaries being trained. This will bring the West Shore Detachment Auxiliary numbers to capacity, at 26 Auxiliary members. Classroom and practical instruction have begun and will be completed entirely in-house by West Shore members.

Members have attended many Red Serge and Community Functions, including a significant number of members attending in Red Serge and at the Legion for Remembrance Day.

• 2013-10-05 - Cst. HARRISON and 3 Auxiliary Constables attended Teen Fest at Eagle Ridge Community Centre to teach youth about distracted and impaired driving.
• 2 Auxiliary Constables attended the DFH Realty West Shore's Child Find ID clinic to provide fingerprinting services.
• One regular member and 2 Auxiliary Constables attended the Happy Valley School to assist with a presentation and implementation of the Pacecar Program as well as present on Halloween Safety.
• Members and Auxiliary Constables marched and attended Remembrance Day celebrations for the Juan de Fuca Scouts and Guides, District of Metchosin and City of Langford Remembrance Day parade and ceremonies.
• School Liaison Officers and assisting members attended local elementary schools to provide internet safety/ cyber bullying presentations throughout the week.
• Between 2 and 6 members were present at any given time at the Jacklin Rd / Langford Parkway plot of land cleanup project which was organized to counteract the spike in calls around the area. Cst. HARRISON and 1 Auxiliary also combined the Lock it or Lose it Campaign in the parking lot of the West Shore Town Center during the clean up event.
• One regular member and 5 Auxiliary Constables were present at the FDU (Fleet Diving Unit) Turkey Run to assist with traffic control duties.
• One regular member led a Beaver Group through a detachment tour to talk about the job of a police officer and when to call 911.
• Auxiliary Constables assisted Belmont Secondary students in collecting non-perishable food items for the local food bank.
• 6 Auxiliary Constables assisted with Langford Christmas Big Truck Parade.
• The West Shore Detachment organized and delivered a Christmas Hamper to a family in need over the Holiday Season.
• The First Nation Policing Constable attended the new Songhees Wellness Center Grand Opening.
• Additional members were also brought on shift along with Auxiliary Constables for Halloween night as well as New Year's Eve. Both nights were very successful in maintaining and showing a high level of police visibility, contributing to a safe and uneventful night.
• On October 23/24, 2013 Cst. Harrison of the Community Policing Unit attended the Vancouver Island TAGS Conference. Cst. Harrison attended sessions which would assist in creating a better knowledge base for graffiti awareness and education. Contacts were made for several Island Detachment graffiti contacts and were added to the general e-mail list which shares graffiti offender information, new tags and new arrests.

Cst. Harrison partnered with City of Langford Bylaw Enforcement and organized a graffiti awareness and clean up day in a problem area which had been surfacing on the local enforcement radar. The property of 2935 Jacklin Rd, is a shared property belonging to BC Hydro and City of Langford that had become a hangout and tagging area. There had been assaults and robberies reported and it was a growing transition route for both positive and negative users. Cst. Harrison completed a CPTED review with Lorne Fletcher, Langford Bylaws, and proceeded to create a plan for a clean-up. On November 26, 2013, West Shore RCMP, Langford Bylaw Enforcement, BC Hydro, The Victoria Grizzlies youth hockey league, a private citizen and West Shore Town Centre came together to paint out graffiti and clean up overgrowing bushes in the area. A 4 hour working period resulted in a great group experience with media coverage and positive results. Follow up with the clean-up day show BC Hydro continuing with the clean up and opening of sight lines.

Cst. Harrison will be exploring the possibility of a similar event with different partners for the Langford Skate Park in the spring of 2014.

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

• On October 5, 2013 Cst. DOVELL the First Nation Policing Constable attended the annual View Royal Fire Department Open House. Cst. DOVELL did police cruiser tours for children and youth at the event. Cst. DOVELL provided recruiting information on site and discussed community issues with several First Nations Community members in attendance.
• That same day, Cst. DOVELL attended the West Shore Teen Fest Event at West Hills Recreation Centre and also provided recruiting information on site and discussed community issues with several First Nations Community teens and members in attendance.
• On October 22nd Cst. DOVELL participated in a marine patrol and welcoming to Chatham Island with Songhees Elders and Youth. Cst. DOVELL toured Chatham Island visiting an old home site with a Songhees Elder and worked with Songhees photographer to document the event for the community.
• On October 31st Cst. DOVELL presented a Halloween Safety Presentation to Craigflower School. The presentation focussed on "Stranger Danger" and general Halloween safety tips. Cst. DOVELL worked regular patrols on Songhees and Esquimalt Nations and provided treat bags for children and youth.
• On November 7th Cst. DOVELL and Cst. WELLARD presented the video "Not For Sale" at the Native Friendship Centre to educate professionals and youth workers on human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
• On November 14th Cst. DOVELL hosted a meeting for the Craigflower School PAC to discuss school and community issues for First Nations Youth on the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Cst. DOVELL spoke with several parents and school administrators on local problems and possible solutions.
• On November 18th Cst. DOVELL participated in a cultural ceremony at the Esquimalt Long House to celebrate work being completed by Long House staff and elders and attended a lunch with community members, Staff, Elders and young people.
• On November 20th and 21st Cst. DOVELL and Sgt. SPENCER attended quarterly meeting with Songhees Chief and Council and Public Safety Canada meeting to discuss the Letter of Expectation and police planning.
• On November 27th Cst. DOVELL hosted annual staff meeting for the Nights Alive Program and Cst. DOVELL regularly attends youth programming for First Nations youth on Wednesday evenings.
• On December 11th Cst. DOVELL and Inspector Chomyn attended a quarterly meeting with Songhees Chief and Council and Public Safety Canada to discuss the Letter of Expectation and police planning. During the meeting the RCMP and Public Safety Canada participated in the official unveiling of the Totem carvings and opening of the Wellness Centre. Later that evening Cst. DOVELL hosted a Community Consultative Group meeting for Songhees Community members. Cst. DOVELL discussed and brain stormed issues in the community with those in attendance.

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.

During this quarter the Street Crime Unit at the West Shore Detachment identified one high risk prolific offender for monitoring by the General Duty Watches. As a result of this targeted enforcement and monitoring, and with the assistance of the Regional Crime Unit, the individual was found to be in breach of his court ordered condition on two occasions. Additions charge recommendations have been forwarded to Crown Counsel for Breach of his Conditions. Following the second breach investigation the individual was detained in custody.

The following curfew checks were conducted during this quarter by West Shore RCMP:

• October: 65 curfew checks conducted, 3 breaches
• November: 44 curfew checks conducted, 2 breaches
• December (Up To December 13, 2013): 26 curfew checks conducted, 3 breaches

There were a total of 39 people on curfew for October to December 13th in the West Shore Jurisdiction. In total, during this quarter, 136 curfew checks were conducted and 8 breaches identified and actioned.

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 127 Theft from Vehicles for this quarter and a year to date total of 565. By way of comparison for the same periods in 2012 there were 242 Theft from Vehicle reports for this same quarter and the year to date for 2012 showed 667 Theft from Vehicles.

Human Resources Status Report:

Established regular R.C.M.P. member total: 61 members.

• -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 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).

It should also be highlighted that the West Shore Detachment benefits from other Provincial Units, which include, but are not limited to, the South Island Highway Patrol, Integrated Road Safety Unit, four Provincial RCMP members assigned to the Regional Crime Unit, Provincial members in the Forensic Identification Unit, Provincial members in the Vancouver Island Integrated Homicide Unit, as well as the Provincial Island District General Investigation Unit.

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.

Current Actual Total in West Shore: 56.

Currently the West Shore Detachment has three members on maternity leave. One of these is scheduled to return to duties in April, another in May, and a third in August. Three other members are on restricted duty and will soon be departing on Maternity leave. Another member is scheduled for Paternity Leave beginning at the end of March for the remainder of the year.

The Detachment currently has two members off duty for medical reasons and two members on restricted duties and/or hours, also for medical reasons.

One member is currently being transferred as a spousal relocation and will be departing soon, with one member being transferred in from the Kamloops area, currently in the process of selling his home to facilitate the transfer.

S/Sgt. WILLIS retired as the Operations NCO at the Detachment, departing prior to Christmas. His replacement is S/Sgt. Stephen WRIGHT, the current Detachment Commander for Sooke. It is anticipated that S/Sgt. WRIGHT will be in his new posting at West Shore by April 1st.

S/Sgt. WRIGHT has 32 years of service and has worked in Courtenay, Kelowna, Ucluelet, Whistler and most recently as the Detachment Commander for Sooke. S/Sgt. WRIGHT has worked GD, Municipal Traffic, and Highway Patrol. He has been an investigator, Watch Commander, Ops NCO, and Detachment Commander. He is also very familiar with the issues in the South Island and in regard to integrated units, having sat at the Area Chief Meetings as the NCO I/C of Sooke.

Prisoner Statistics:

The total number of prisoners lodged in Detachment cells for the period covering the 1st of January 2013, to the 31st of December, 2013, was 671.

MONTH OF DECEMBER

YEAR TO DATE

FILES OF NOTE:

The Regional Crime Unit (RCU)

See attached Appendix for Year End report for the Regional Crime Unit. It is noted that this report is for the calendar year end. As of June 2014 all integrated units will begin to report on a July to June format.

Regional Domestic Violence in Relationship Unit

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 seconded to the RDVU. The West Shore Detachment will also be assuming a seat on the Joint Management Team Committee for the RDVU, beginning in 2014.

RDVU assisted the West Shore Detachment with one file this quarter. This involved a domestic violence file in the Langford area. The couple were known to the RDVU, who assisted in the file and monitored the individuals in this high risk file.

West Shore RCMP Detachment

The Detachment has had a successful quarter. Previous files were noted in the monthly Mayor's reports.

On October 13th members of the West Shore Detachment attended at a residence on Sunderland Road in Langford responding to a complaint of a male who had been stabbed. Upon police attendance a victim was located inside the residence bleeding from a laceration on his chest and back. A suspect later returned to the residence and was arrested. Plain clothes investigators at the West Shore Detachment continued the investigation, which revealed the suspect and victim were known to each other. The suspect was known to police and on conditions related to a previous incident involving carrying a knife. The suspect remained in custody to appear in court on charges of Aggravated Assault.

The "40 Days for Life" abortion protest continued in the View Royal area on Helmcken Road. This situation was closely monitored and there was only one incident in which an individual entered the clinic and made a comment to the staff.

October 24, 2013 a former employee of Home Depot uttered threats to attend Home Depot and do harm to employees, as well as to his ex-wife who resided outside the West Shore jurisdiction. Plain clothes investigators from West Shore worked closely with investigators in the Lower Mainland, ensuring public safety as well as following up on the criminal investigation. The male was subsequently located and arrested in Vancouver and is before the courts.

The West Shore Detachment continues to utilize the Bait Car Program. An activation occurred in November when the bait vehicle was parked in Langford. The investigation revealed a prolific offender was responsible. The Regional Crime Unit assisted with the follow up investigation and executed a search warrant at a residence in Langford. The items stolen from the Bait car, and other stolen items from other offences, were recovered. An eighteen year old male was detained and is facing numerous charges. Intelligence also is indicating that Theft of vehicles seems to be moving to smaller organized groups and vehicles are being taken for their steel- ie catalytic converters and will likely continue.

In December the West Shore Detachment investigated a stabbing which occurred in Thetis Lake Park. The injuries were non-life threatening and the victim was known to police. The victim was uncooperative during the investigation.

In December the West Shore Detachment investigated a found body in the Goldstream Park area. Initial investigation led investigators to believe this was a homeless individual who had been camping in the park. No foul play was suspected, which was corroborated during an autopsy. This file became a coroner investigation.

The West Shore Detachment along with assistance from the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit, Forensic Identification, Police Service Dog, and members of the Search and Canvass unit of the Vancouver Island Tactical Team investigated a suspicious death in the View Royal area. Initially dozens of investigators were assigned to the file, which involved securing and holding the scene for several days and numerous statements and other investigative steps. A forensic autopsy was conducted and confirmed that no foul play was suspected. This investigation was turned over to the coroner.

Additional attachments for your review:

• Regional Crime Unit Year End Summary for the Calendar Year 2013.
• Client Satisfaction Quarterly Report
• 4th Quarter Property Crime Stats Map (specific to your Region)

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