Pubdate: Sun, 22 Oct 2006
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352

NEEDLE DISCOVERY REQUIRES ACTION

Despite What Bureaucrats May Think, Urgent Matters Happen After 
Office Hours and on Weekends.

That reality was brought to light when a Coldstream resident 
discovered discarded hypodermic needles lying along Aberdeen Road 
late Wednesday night. Wanting someone to come and pick them up, he 
called the authorities but got the royal run-around.

It was later discovered that Coldstream community policing members 
are only available to come and get needles during work hours.

"If it's after hours, we ask that a person cover up the needles the 
best they can, like with a box or a blanket," said Kate Leeder, co-ordinator.

That advice is not acceptable.

Until the needles are actually removed from the scene, residents, and 
especially children, are still at risk. If anything, placing a box 
over them will likely encourage a curious child to investigate.

Leeder goes on to say, "We don't advocate having anyone trying to 
pick up needles."

But by just leaving them there, in the hopes the authorities will 
come, residents are going to take the chance in removing them so 
their children are safe.

Vernon firefighters will pick up needles within city limits, so we 
wonder why Coldstream's firefighters can't do the same?

Maybe a contract should be awarded to the Vernon Fire Department to 
respond after hours. When public safety is at risk, jurisdictional 
boundaries mean nothing.

But while this incident occurred in Coldstream, we question if the 
region's other small communities are prepared to handle such situations.

The discovery of needles in a Coldstream neighbourhood is a wake-up 
call that drug activity occurs every where and we must be ready to act.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine