Comments from OIC, West Shore RCMP

2017-03-10

Mayor Screech,

I am writing as requested outlining outstanding concerns or issues around Choices and policing. Various issues continue to exist which are having an impact on policing and the response by West Shore RCMP members to Choices. These issues include:

Difficulty with radio communications with West Shore members within the Choices facility. This is specifically associated to the construction of the building radio interference that is caused as a result.
Training level of Choices Staff and ability to manage residence.
Communication and long range planning.
Weapons, repeat or chronic “individuals” being allowed to remain.

In response to these issues.

1. Communications.

This is an issue that remains for our operational members. This is a building construction issue and we are working with our radio technicians, CREST, and BC Housing. We have a work around solution, however, this still leaves us exposed at an Officer Safety level and we will be continuing to send 3 members to calls for service. A permanent solution may be possible but is expensive and the resolution resides with CREST and BC Housing. If we were able to resolve this and have reliable radio communications on our main radio channel then we would be in a better position to respond to the facility based on the call for service and risk assessment, and may reduce the initial number of members needed to respond. This item remains outstanding and I am advised that the resolution may be in the range of $350,000 and not implemented by CREST until the conversion to the new radio systems in the next 18-24 months.

2. Training of Choices Staff

It is our observation that the staff at Choices require further training and education in dealing with potentially highly volatile clients with addictions and mental health issues. We are frequently being called to remove individuals or deal with clients who are upset but it may not be a criminal matter. With sufficient, and trained staff, it would be expected that the facility could manage these residents and police would not be required to be called. As it currently exists, the members of the West Shore Detachment are being utilized as “security personnel”, which is not the role we should take. This is a responsibility that remains with Choices. It has been suggested that Choices may wish to consider internal security. They should be trained, maintained 24/7 and in sufficient numbers to deal with the non-criminal issues that arise without involving the police.

In addition, we are having to dedicate a member as a liaison member to work with Choices. This member is being utilized as a resource to field a variety of questions and recommendations regarding internal Choices processes and policy. This is an area that is a Choices responsibility and is not a responsibility that the West Shore Detachment should assume.

3. Communication and Long Range Planning

Various discussions and planning have and continue to occur involving Choices and the facility. The West Shore Detachment has not been kept informed and long range plans for the facility and Choices do have an impact on the Detachment operational pressures. It is recommended that the West Shore Detachment be included in discussions and planning.

4. Weapons and Repeat “Individuals”.

Initially there were concerns with the policy of not addressing weapons. This was addressed and an internal policy was developed at Choices to surrender weapons voluntarily when they attend. This does not, however, address those weapons that may be hidden or are weapons of opportunity. As part of the previous weapons issue Choices was to conduct a Violence threat assessment for the staff. To the best of my knowledge this has not yet been completed, and if it has we are not privy to the results.

Insp. Larry Chomyn Officer in Charge West Shore RCMP Detachment