Kamloops RCMP, NSBIA say systemic changes needed to address ongoing social challenges

West Victoria Street, downtown Kamloops, lower Sahali, Valleyview and the Tranquille Corridor are just some of the areas of note. Supt. Lecky says these calls are ultimately a symptom of underlying problems with the healthcare and justice systems.

“We definitely have some clients that are on our streets that I wish weren’t on our streets. I don’t feel like we’re doing them any service as people. I think if anything, it’s almost like they’ve been forgotten by society to some degree,” he says. “They’re not for the police to deal with but we will, and have to because we are the agency of last resort.”

North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA) Executive Director Jeremy Heighton is in agreement.

“Syd’s right; they’re responding to everything because nobody else is there to respond and it’s time to change that system and we’re taking that right to the federal level.”

The NSBIA is located along Tranquille Road business corridor, and has a firsthand look into the interactions those complex populations have with business owners and community members. Heighton says non-profit agencies are doing the best with what they have, but there needs to be more public health involvement.

At this point, Heighton says warehousing people with very different needs into ‘one-size-fits-all’, low barrier housing is not working. He says the NSBIA has been asking for a system shake-up on civic, provincial and federal levels, and hopes to see first steps taken.

“Federal transfer dollars which enable healthcare dollars in the province should come with conditions. They should come with conditions that say, ‘You will be required to have a robust healthcare system which supports people who are trying to get into housing, and which supports alternate justice systems which ensure people don’t fall through the cracks.'”

Often, street level disturbances are connected to the justice system. Supt. Lecky notes recent case law and legislative changes have impacted how police operate, and what is done with people who are arrested or repeatedly offend.

“People have lesser sentences it seems at times, or are out on bail with fewer restrictions, and that reflects itself on our streets.”

Lecky is well aware of the frustration felt by residents and business owners who feel criminal behavior doesn’t have adequate consequences. He also says he’s heard from community leaders who are concerned resident frustrations will lead to vigilante behavior.

“Of course, I will always caution people on that,” urges Lecky. “And we have a very good example; a well-publicized example of that in this community with what happened to Jessie Simpson. I don’t want to see that happen to anyone else.”

So, where to start? Heighton, and others who deal with individuals with complex needs on a regular basis say federal and provincial ministries need to have specialized treatment and healthcare programs, and housing. And, to alleviate some of the pressure put on the RCMP, determine what resources are best suited to respond.

“(Decide), is this a mental health issue? It goes into this stream. Is it a policing issue?? It goes into this stream. Is it a policing issue that requires mandatory treatment because this individual can’t care for themselves? It goes into that system,” stresses Heighton. “The challenge is none of those systems exist. They’re all disconnected.”

by Dylana Kneeshaw

Kamloops RCMP, NSBIA say systemic changes needed to address ongoing social challenges

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