Clearwater RCMP detachment is quite a bit busier this year than it was the same time last year, according to Sgt. Kevin Podbisky, NCO-in-charge of the detachment.
“Our caseload is getting busier. Maybe it means this town is getting busier,” he told town council during its May 7 meeting.
Detachment members investigated 308 files during the first quarter of 2013. This compares to 283 fires during the first quarter of 2012. Traffic members investigated 29 files during this period. A total 337 calls for services were investigated during the quarter.
Clearwater’s general duty section has been short-staffed since the departure of Cst. Jamie Parsons in March. The constable who was to have taken his place has been unable to sell his home in Port MacNeil. Instead, Podbisky has arranged for Cst. Jay Meyer to transfer here from Mackenzie. The sergeant said he has worked with Meyer before and highly recommends him.
The Traffic Services unit is fully staffed, although one member is on paternity leave.
Detachment and Traffic Services members took down a marijuana grow-op in Avola in February. A total of 728 plants were seized and charges of production and theft of electricity are being sought against the owner of the property.
There has been a noticeable increase in the number of people in this area with legal medical marijuana grow operations, the sergeant said.
Several times recently they have investigated suspected illegal grow-ops only to find they are licensed.
There was a huge increase in vehicle collisions on area highways during the first quarter of the year. As a result, detachment members spent a lot of time attending to these complaints.
RCMP members are looking forward to the second annual Clearwater Detachment Bike Rodeo. Last year just under 50 youngsters took part. The event will be held in the Sportsplex, 10 – 2 on May 25.