Pubdate: Wed, 13 Apr 2016
Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2016 Peace Arch News
Contact:  http://www.peacearchnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333
Author: Kevin Diakiw

Shooting spree sparks plan to broadcast live images 24/7 to police
headquarters

TRAFFIC CAMS ADDED TO RCMP ARSENAL

Surrey RCMP will be given real-time access to more than 400 traffic
cameras in the city, and the full force of the regional Mounties to
put an end to this year's shootings.

The announcement comes as Surrey grapples with more than 30 shootings
so far this year - a rate of one every three days. It's twice the rate
of shootings that occurred last year.

The culprits are involved in a low-level drug turf war, police
believe.

Mayor Linda Hepner made the assurance of traffic camera access for
police at a press gathering at the Surrey RCMP detachment Friday
(April 8) with provincial Solicitor General and Minister of Public
Safety Mike Morris.

"I have given authority to the RCMP to have 24-hour, direct access, to
the city's network of 330 traffic cameras," Hepner said, adding she
has approved another 75 cameras to be installed, bringing the total to
more than 400 at Surrey intersections.

While police had access before, they will now be able to draw images
from the cameras from the RCMP detachment, rather than waiting until
city hall opens.

Surrey RCMP Officer in Charge Bill Fordy said arrests are already
being made regarding the gunfire in city streets.

Last Friday (April 1) the Surrey RCMP announced the seizure of $4.5
million in drugs, and the arrest of one man.

Fordy now says two more arrests have been made.

Alex Blanarou is facing six charges and Antonio Dennison is charged
with four offences. The charges include unauthorized possession of a
loaded firearm, possession for the purpose of trafficking and carrying
a concealed firearm.

Fordy also listed two other arrests that have occurred in the last
week involving guns and drugs.

Fordy said he's extremely upset about the wanton violence occurring on
Surrey streets.

"I am angry that we are standing here talking about the same type of
senseless violence that we were discussing this time last year," Fordy
said. "These cowardly acts are unfair to this city."

Morris said the province is doing everything it can to help stem the
violence occurring on Surrey streets this year.

He said police throughout the region are working together to put an
end to the gun violence.

"We will not stop as a province, as a police force, in our endeavours,
to rid the province of these low-level, street-level, mindless young
people that are indiscriminately shooting and causing fear in our
community," Morris said.

He also urged members of the community who have information to come
forward to police.

Following the announcement, members of the BC NDP said they were
disheartened by the minister's lack of specifics in finding provincial
answers to the problem.

Sue Hammell, NDP MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers, said more has to be
done to lower the demand for the drugs being sold.

People need to be treated rather than locked up at a cost of $74,000 a
year, she said.

She also said the province should be better funding Surrey schools, so
kids aren't on staggered bells.

Kids need to be properly educated before they leave school and make
the wrong decisions about a gang and drug lifestyle.

Surrey-Newton NDP MLA Harry Bains said Morris was extremely soft on
specifics.

"I've heard nothing new," Bains said. "A provincial minister who's the
chief law enforcement officer, he had nothing to tell us."

Fordy said more news of more arrests will be coming
soon.

He also said a community forum planned at the Bell Performing Arts
Centre has been moved forward to April 18 at 6:30 p.m.

The session, according to a news release, will provide parents,
students, and residents with information regarding youth involvement
in drug trafficking and the violence that often accompanies this
criminal lifestyle.

Information will be provided on warning signs for parents, strategies
to prevent young people from entering the drug trade, an update on
what is happening in Surrey right now and the tools and resources
available to assist parents and youth.

There will also be Punjabi speaking staff members and police officers
available to speak to parents and residents.
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