Westshore RCMP - Inadmissible Patron Program
Description of the Inadmissible Patrons Program (IPP), a partnership to discourage gang activity and violence in hospitality establishments.
INADMISSIBLE PATRON PROGRAM
PROGRAM MISSION
The RCMP Inadmissible Patrons Program (IPP) is a public safety partnership to discourage and deter violent acts in and around restaurants and night clubs. The program is developed in consultation with local business, public partnerships and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The use of the term Inadmissible Patron is the preferred language in ejection programs in RCMP jurisdictions.
NEED FOR IIP IN THE WEST SHORE COMMUNITIES
The continued growth of West Shore communities and the interjurisdictional nature of the Greater Victoria area brings with it the influence of organized crime and drug markets. The continued growth of the Savages Outlaw Motorcycle Gang in the West Shore along with the growth of other Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs such as the Nanaimo Hells Angels may drive an increased presence of individuals connected to the drug trade and organized crime to the West Shore area.
The West Shore RCMP have received complaints about individuals wearing gang colours at establishments in the West Shore area.
In April 2019, there were two shootings (neither fatal) in the West Shore area. In both instances, the suspects and intended targets had well established connections to the drug trade. Individuals who maintain this high-risk lifestyle bring a public safety risk to those around them.
DEFINITION OF AN INADMISSIBLE PATRON
An inadmissible Patron (IP) is a person whose lifestyle, associations, and activities may pose a risk to public safety, either directly or from third parties. This definition reflects that it is the high risk behavior of these individuals and groups that is of chief concern. Criteria of an IP:
- Organized Crime and Gang members
- Associates of Organized Crime and or Gangs
- Individuals with a history of serious and or violent criminal activity
- Individuals with a history of firearms offenses
- Individuals with involvement in the drug trade
AUTHORITY FOR EJECTION AND ARREST
No person will be ejected by the RCMP under the Inadmissible Patrons Program until their status as an Inadmissible Patron is confirmed.
The Authorization is from the owner’s rights to protect their premises from damage and or harm to their patrons and staff.
The posted Inadmissible Patrons Policy signage for each location recognizes the RCMP members as authorized persons.
The legal authority that the RCMP member must rely upon if removing an Inadmissible Patron is from the B.C. Trespass Act.
The British Columbia Trespass Act gives a peace officer the power of arrest if the person has failed or refused to leave the premises after being specifically requested to do so by an authorized person.
PATRICIPATING LOCATIONS
Participating businesses with an Inadmissible Patrons Policy will have the Inadmissible Patrons Policy signage clearly posted at all regular public entrances to their premise the terms of which should not be modified.
Participating businesses voluntarily accept the wording or the policy and signage as their own, as an addition to, inadmissible patrons policy.