Pubdate: Sat, 18 Apr 2009
Source: Richmond Review, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Black Press
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/P92NTYdG
Website: http://drugsense.org/url/WcGUPNub
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/704
Author: Matthew Hoekstra
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Marijuana - Canada)

GROW-OP INSPECTIONS TO RETURN

An inspection team that monitors homes using abnormally high amounts
of electricity and targets marijuana grow-ops is set to return with
less police presence.

Last year a B.C. Supreme Court decision temporarily shut down the
Richmond program after a judge ruled police would no longer be allowed
to attend the home inspections.

Now city staff are recommending council reinstate the program-with a
few changes.

RCMP would still attend the inspections, but would remain off property
and in radio contact with inspectors. The 48-hour notice period would
be reduced to 24 hours and inspectors would consider tips from the
public and city staff, in addition to analyzing electrical data from
B.C. Hydro.

Inspection fees would also be hiked 20 per cent to $4,200, charged to
homeowners where evidence of a grow-op is found.

In her report, deputy fire chief Kim Howell said the program is needed
as a deterrent for criminals.

"If the program were cancelled it would result in Richmond becoming a
target city for grow-ops to operate within."

Richmond's program ran from August 2007 to September 2008. Inspectors
probed 178 homes with abnormally high power consumption-70 showing
evidence of a marijuana grow-op.

In 2008, inspectors noticed a decline in reports of high consumption
data from B.C. Hydro. Staff believe that was a result of grow-ops
relocating to other cities or outside residential areas, stealing
electricity or using alternative sources of power.

"Grow operators still exist in Richmond; they are just discovering new
methods and places to produce their product. Without a program
Richmond will become a community of choice to operate," Howell noted.

Coun. Derek Dang, chair of the city's community safety committee, said
the program is "worthwhile," equating it to an enforcer on a hockey
team.

"You still have to have one on your bench even if he doesn't get on
the ice except for three minutes a game."

If council decides to renew the program on April 27, a fire inspector
and electrical inspector will conduct the inspection-with an RCMP
officer nearby in radio contact.

City spokesperson Diana Waltmann said staff believe the new procedures
adequately address the court ruling. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake