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By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Police need to look at changing tactics

Jun 27, 2024 | 6:00 AM

THERE WAS A TIME when police officers had a serious deterring effect on crime. The public respected them but at the same time were a bit intimidated. It was a good balance.

Now, as crime has increased in nature to the point where it is almost out of control, the police have changed their focus, and are not really a presence anymore. That’s my opinion, but I find it shared more and more by veterans still serving and those retired from the force. The police have become reactive, instead of proactive. They wait until the crime has been committed instead of making attempts to head crime off at the pass.

When the police used to walk the streets or patrol through various neighbourhoods, they were a positive influence and there is no doubt in my mind they were a deterrent to potential criminals who perhaps had a change of heart after seeing officers close by. But what’s happening now is that more and more officers are waiting in the shop for the next call. They are being reactive. They don’t respond until the crime has been committed. They spend so much time behind computer screens they don’t spend any time with the community.

I am obviously making these comments as a wide generalization, but when was the last time you saw a couple of officers walking down Victoria Street or Tranquille Road? When was the last time you saw a patrol car cruising through the streets of your neighbourhood?

I am well aware of the shortage of manpower that hamper these noble efforts, the increased violence associated with criminal activity, the increase in the number of gangs and cartels, and a lack of auxiliary resources.

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We’re spending a lot of time educating people, particularly young people, about the dangers of crime. This is a good step, but it can only be partly effective. If we don’t find a way to be proactive, not reactive, police will never be able to gain the respect they need and deserve to make any impact on the rate of criminal activity which threatens to take us into a dark hole we can’t climb out of.

Police statistics in Kamloops show some categories of crime are down. But try telling that to businesses downtown or on the Tranquille Corridor who have been broken into time and again, or the residents living in an area suffering from break-ins or smash and grabs. Statistics are helpful, but good old-fashioned policing still has a major role in crime prevention. It’s too bad we can’t find the resources to make that happen.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.