Pubdate: Thu, 09 Nov 2006 Source: North Island Gazette (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 North Island Gazette Contact: http://www.northislandgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2783 Author: A. Harvie PEOPLE CAN HELP THE POLICE FIGHT CRIME Dear editor, It's nice to see that people are paying attention to our local drug dealer problem. I think it would be great to clean up our town and set an example for other communities. Our local RCMP works very hard to deter these people, but they could use our help. I have a few suggestions, and hope that folks will take the time to do their homework I spent two and a half years of my life being stalked by a man, so I have some experience in what we can do to be more aware of crimes and who the offenders are. Here are some things that you can do to help the RCMP and judicial system. 1. Find out when court is held in town, then attend it from time to time. It's the best way to see what the offenders look like and what conditions the judge puts on them (probation). At that point and time, the probation officer is responsible for making sure they abide by those conditions. Conditions for drug dealers on probation, usually go like this: Keep the peace and be of good behaviour. They are usually to abstain from using drugs and alcohol, and often banned from cell phones. 2. Find out who the probation officer is for the perpetrators and write their name down, or ask them for their card. Once the person is placed on probation, the probation officer is in control. 3. If you see the person ignoring the court order, then call the probation officer. Remember, he/she can have them picked up immediately for breaching their order. 4. If you see them re-offend, do not wait until later to talk to the probation officer. The sooner he/she knows, the quicker the offender can be brought in. 5. It is not just the drug dealers that we need to curtail. There is also a lot of domestic violence, and other crimes. If you see this, report it. 6. Remember, there are still far more law-abiding citizens on the North Island than there are drug dealers on the North Island. If we all do our part, we would set an excellent example that others could follow. I have a saying "Get A Grip!" So let's get a grip on the crime, and clean up our towns. I am proud to be a North Island. I hope to see you in court in the near future. A. Harvie, Port Hardy - --- MAP posted-by: Derek