CHRIS NEWEL
For the Bulletin
Real police work is very different from TV. Here is a recap of the calls one officer attended over the course of three day shifts.
A complaint was received about rabbits that were not being properly cared for in the cold weather. The officer did some follow up and the allegation was referred to the SPCA.
A separate complaint was received regarding an altercation at a local school. Since it was received after school was closed for the day and Christmas holidays, it will be followed up with school administration once they resume classes in January. It’s likely the incident will be dealt with internally.
Coquiltalm RCMP received a 911 hang up call. Police are required to follow up on all 911 calls to ensure everyone is safe. The call takers could not reach the caller and a search found a person associated to the phone owner resides in Kimberley. The officer attended see if the residents could assist in determining if the phone owner was ok.
Later on an elderly woman was locked out of her house, it was very cold and there was a safety concern. The woman was able to get into her house prior to the police arrival. The officer did check to ensure she was safe and medical attention was not required.
Bicycling might be difficult at this time of the year, but a found bike was reported to the office and attempts will be made to locate the owner.
Columbia Valley Detachment received a report of a possible impaired driver near Canal Flats headed south. The officer was able to intercept the vehicle north of Wasa. The driver showed signs of impairment and the breath demand was read. Both breath samples were a “FAIL” and the driver was served a 90 day driving prohibition and his vehicle impounded for 30 days. The driver was less than cooperative with the officer which made the interaction very tense. In the end the driver calmed down, accepted his fate and police drove him home.
A minor theft of lights was reported, the officer followed up but it was unknown exactly when it occurred so it was difficult to obtain any evidence as to who may have been responsible.
We see a variety of calls often less dramatic than those shown on TV, particularly in a small city.