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. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine