Roadside Prohibition
Over the past few weeks Kimberley RCMP members have issued several Immediate Roadside Prohibitions (IRP) for impaired driving. The most interesting was last Sunday when a driver refused to acknowledge he was driving. RCMP received a report of an impaired driver coming from Premier Lake. He was located parked at the rest area near Wasa. The officer noted the driver to be "in care and control" of the vehicle. Which under that act is treated the same as driving. The officer read the driver the breath demand. The driver responded with some less than polite words and locked himself in the vehicle. The driver refused to get out or open the doors. Given the potential for him to drive away, officers after almost an hour broke the window. He was removed from the vehicle and lodged in cells for the night. Now in addition to his IRP fines, prohibition and vehicle impound he is facing criminal charges. Not a good way to end the day.
An excuse for speeding?
The other day an officer stopped a vehicle for speeding on hwy 95A south of Kimberley. The driver claimed there was another driver tailgating him and he was trying to break away. Huh? I've heard this many times, but don't understand the logic. I appreciate what the other driver is doing is unsafe and unlawful. But exceeding the speed limit does not make things right. Why not just move onto the shoulder and allow him to pass. Maybe he will get caught for speeding and you save $196.
Golf Tournament
A reminder the Kimberley RCMP / Speedwatch Charity Golf Tournament is being held Sept 15, 1:00 pm at the Kimberley Golf Course. The event raises funds for the Ambulance Memorial Fund and minor sports in Kimberley. There are some great prizes. Register at the golf course or Kimberley RCMP detachment.
Auxiliary Constable
Did you ever want to be an RCMP member but it just didn't work with your career plans out? How about becoming an auxiliary member? There is an information session being held at the Cranbrook Detachment Sept 18 at 7:00 p.m.. If you would like more information contact Cpl Chris Newel 250 427-4811.
To be an auxiliary member you must be a Canadian citizen, 19 years of age with a valid Class 5 Drivers Licence, have a high school diploma or equivalent, pass an RCMP security clearance, and good character and a good reputation.
Auxiliary constables are authorized to accompany regular members on patrol and perform other police functions under both general and supervision. Activities may include office duties, special events, community events, property checks, and traffic and crowd control. Additionally they often assist regular members during peacetime emergencies and searching for lost persons.
The purpose of the program is to strengthen community and police partnerships. This partnership is strengthened by providing an opportunity for citizen volunteers to perform authorized activities in support of strategies to address causes or reduce the fear of crime and disorder.
All Auxiliary Constables must complete 150 hours of approved RCMP training prior to receiving their Provincial appointment, which will be provided in Cranbrook.