By Keith McNeill
Clearwater RCMP detachment is at full strength with one sergeant, one corporal and four general duty constables, Sgt. Grant Simpson reported to Clearwater town council on Nov. 7.
The Central Interior Traffic Services (highway patrol) unit has three members, although one is being transferred to Williams Lake and a replacement is being sought.
The detachment also has one full-time support staff plus one part-time and one casual.
READ MORE: RCMP quarterly report
Other support comes from Victims Services, the Interagency Case Assessment Team, and an Auxiliary member.
Emergency partners include fire, ambulance plus search and rescue.
Total number of calls during the months of July to September was 654. During the same quarter in 2016 the number was 647 while in 2015 it was 613.
Total files for the year to date are 1174, compared to 1085 in 2016 and 1096 in 2015.
The large majority of the calls involved motor vehcile incidents on Highway 5.
“We continue to work with our provincial social service agency partners in identifying emerging trends with respect to drug and alcohol abuse amongst young persons as well as domestic violence,” he said.
Detachment priorities are traffic enforcement (including speeding and impaired driving), organized crime (including prolific offenders, curfew checks and increased drug seizures), police-community relations, and vulnerable persons (reducing domestic violence).
Wildfire situation presents challenges
A seasonal policing initiative saw limited success due to the local wildfire situation.
Additional supporting resources and agencies were used to help manage what was a difficult and challenging situation.
Simpson has forwarded the names of several to the RCMP Southeast District management team for recognition.
Mayor John Harwood praised the RCMP for the work done during last summer’s wildfire situation.
Members patrolled the evacuated areas plus kept the traffic flowing on Highway 5, he noted.
“For several nights we were wondering what would happen if the highway closed,” the mayor said.