City of Surrey. Public Safety Committee Minutes. Regrets: Councillor P. Priddy Supt. B. Harford, B.C. Ambulance Services

Transcription

1 City of Surrey Public Safety Committee Minutes Executive Boardroom City Hall Avenue Surrey, B.C. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2003 Time: 9:00 a.m. Present: Chair: Councillor Tymoschuk Councillor M. Hunt Councillor P. Priddy Councillor B. Steele T. Campbell, Manager, Safe Schools Regrets: Councillor P. Priddy Supt. B. Harford, B.C. Ambulance Services Staff Present: City Manager A/Commr. G.Forbes, RCMP Supt. R. Bennett, RCMP City Solicitor Fire Chief Garis J. Hofmann, Senior By-law Officer - Operations S. Palmer, Legislative Services A. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1. Public Safety Committee - July 9, 2003 It was Moved by Councillor Hunt Seconded by Councillor Steele That the minutes of the Public Safety Committee meeting held on July 9, 2003, be adopted. Carried B. RCMP 1. Staffing Supt. Bennett discussed current staffing levels stating that 15 of the approved 20 positions would be deployed to a flexible response team to be utilized in community policing initiatives throughout the city. Supt. Bennett reported that there are only four vacancies at this time and the process is underway to fill those vacancies. The comment was made that staffing levels fluctuate constantly. He added that 10 new members are on their way to Surrey right now and the vacancies should be filled by October 1, The question was raised of finding methods to reduce the waiting time for new recruits. A/Commr. Forbes stated that the process takes approximately 18 months for recruiting, hiring and training and involves decision-making and approvals at various government levels. The statement was made that the funding for the 20 approved officers for July 1, 2004 was in place, however staffing of those positions takes times. The comment was then made that the greater amount of notice the City can provide on staffing increases allows the RCMP appropriate time to recruit, train and staff. h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 2

2 Supt. Bennett commented that the promotion board was sitting today to discuss three supervisory positions for the district, which would take care of three of the current four vacancies. The Manager, Safe Schools, entered the meeting at 9:05 a.m. A/Commr. Forbes noted that S/Sgt. Cathy Robertson has been transferred to District Office No. 2 and S/Sgt. Ross Fisher to Traffic Section. He added that Inspector Reeves was promoted to the Department of Fisheries and that the resulting vacancy would be filled as soon as possible. 2. Crime Trends Supt. Bennett made the following comments relative to the second quarterly report, which was provided on table: That the report covers the period of January to June That overall, the second quarterly report indicates an increase of 4% in crime with 600 more files created. However, over the January to June 2003 period of time, indications are that crime is actually down 2% from the same period last year (murders, assaults, break and enters, and other major reportable crimes). That one explanation for the increase in crime statistics is the number of initiatives being undertaken to combat crime such as the Whalley Action Team and the concentrated effort in Newton to deter prostitution and drug trafficking which brings with it more arrests and convictions. It was noted that this self-generated work would account for the rise in crime statistics in the second quarter. That a rise in crime statistics would be evident in the third quarterly report due to increased activity over the summer months. That due to target hardening, property crimes, such as break and enters decreased by 8% overall. That the areas of significant crime increase are District Offices #4 and #5. That drug crime statistics are up 29% for the year due, in part, to increased enforcement at the street level. That there has been a significant increase for calls for service and 911 calls creating pressure on the detachment's workload. That added pressures resulted from the increased number of policing special events held throughout the city. That the highest crime statistics originate in the District Office No. 1 area and include crimes of violence (33%) and robberies, followed by District Offices #2 and #3 (23% and 25% respectively). That property crimes are highest in the areas of District Offices No. 4 and 5. Supt. Bennett stated that a report would be brought forward to the next Public Safety Committee meeting relative to a significant project dealing with grow h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 3

3 operations involving a significant number of new officers being deployed with the existing Drug Section to aggressively target grow operations within the city. He added that a business case is currently being prepared by the RCMP and then discussed how the Surrey RCMP utilizes proceeds of crime and a multidisciplined approach in dealing with grow operations. The question was raised as to whether grow operations are unique to Surrey and the response was made that the problem is widespread throughout the province and Canada. Supt. Bennett noted that the numbers and challenges of grow operations are comparable throughout the various communities in the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province. It was pointed out that grow operations are harder to detect in rural areas because of the larger property sizes and lower numbers of residents. The statement was then made that crime gangs control the majority of grow operations. It was noted that there have been 11 attempted murders this year relating to gang wars, representing a higher figure than other areas. Other factors for increased grow operation activity include new development making detection of illegal operations within neighbourhoods more difficult. The comment was made that Surrey does not suffer a significantly higher or worse problem of grow operations; that this is a universal problem throughout the country; and that because Surrey is a high growth area, the problem is more visible. Supt. Bennett commented that a team of experts is being struck to look at all the issues behind grow operations from a global point of view. Chief Garis raised the suggestion that a comparative analysis be prepared outlining the growth of the numbers of files being generated for grow operations. Supt. Bennett stated that the Surrey RCMP Detachment is aggressively working to eradicate the problem and it is their policy to do everything in their power to have everyone involved in grow operations go to court, not just shuffle the problems on to another location. He expanded by saying that the RCMP has the authority to seize the assets, homes, businesses of grow operators, but with that comes the potential for publicity. He made the suggestion that a media campaign be developed discouraging those individuals attempting to run grow operations in the city as they run the risk of losing their homes, their children, assets, etc., because Surrey is aggressively attacking this problem using a multi-disciplined approach. Supt. Bennett noted that these statistics are used to predict future crime and assist in predicting the necessary resources and funding required to address the issues. He stressed that in the long term, this is the best and most accurate picture to use as a planning tool. The point was raised that Surrey is the largest school district in the province, but the opportunity to work with school children is being jeopardized because of insufficient numbers of School Liaison officers. h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 4

4 The comment was made that to add to and evaluate the safe city image and experience in Surrey, it would be effective and appropriate to assess the perceived level of crime in the city from the point of view of the victims of crime. The example was made of asking victims of crime their first reaction of the safety image created by how that initial call was addressed or not addressed. It was then noted that this picture would indicate the service levels and provide some perspective from the point of those providing the service and those being served. It was pointed out that this information is missing from the statistical information and would serve as a better test as to whether our community is feeling safe or not. A/Commr. Forbes commented that the RCMP undertakes a quality assurance exercise every year to determine client satisfaction. In response to a comment regarding an incident in Burnaby, Supt. Bennett illustrated the process followed by dispatchers for handling 911 calls and noted that information is forwarded to responding officers as it becomes available. A/Commr. Forbes noted that a review is being conducted of the process for handling complaint calls. He pointed out that with the proliferation of cell phone usage, the RCMP receives not only one call but several for one accident/incident, causing more pressure on the system. He added that a new system is being developed at the training facility in Chilliwack to retrain all telecom operators. 3. Community Policing Supt. Bennett expressed appreciation to the Whalley Action Team, which is working hard in a multi-disciplined manner to apply pressure in the area with the implementation of such measures as Project Clean Sweep and the Whalley Enhancement Initiatives. He stated these initiatives have had a positive effect on that portion of the community by moving people plying illegal trades elsewhere. He added that a special task force has been formed dealing with the issues surrounding the King George Highway strip and mentioned that a bubble map is being developed indicating the areas where these crime trends are dispersing and responding to those pressures by adding more enforcement. Councillor Tymoschuk noted that he had received quite significant, positive responses from members of the Whalley Business Improvement Association as to the actions being taken by the City in their area. He then expressed appreciation for the excellent work by those involved in these initiatives noting that the higher numbers of arrests and charges are paying off in terms of people living and working in the community. The question was then raised as to the RCMP's plan to continue Project Clean Sweep. Supt. Bennett responded that the initial plan was to continue through to the end of September, which is the maximum sustainability from a funding and resource aspect. He added that currently scheduling is maintained through a h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 5

5 blend of rescheduled shifts, overtime and redeployment of on duty officers. He noted that, ideally, an additional 10 officers dedicated to District Office No. 1 would be required in order to maintain and sustain the current level of enforcement. The statement was made that currently the RCMP overtime budget is running $100,000 over the original forecast due to the higher number of special events. Councillor Hunt then raised the suggestion of using by-law officers, commissionaires, and volunteers to supplement the RCMP. He pointed out this would free up highly skilled RCMP where those skills are not required, such as traffic control. Supt. Bennett commented that the RCMP does an operational plan on every initiative and demands event organizations provide private security (approved by the RCMP) and appropriate medical services. He noted, however, that event organizers do not always cooperate. Supt. Bennett then commented that a report outlining the seriousness of some of these events would be brought forward in order to develop a process whereby event organizers must be held accountable and meet these demands or their event will not be approved to proceed. A/Commr. Forbes stated that overtime is the best answer for the short-term sustainability of Project Clean Sweep. The City Manager stated that a revised Special Event concept is being prepared to bring forward to Council, which will factor in what the City needs to achieve operationally with respect to Special Events. He noted the issue comes down to what level of funding the particular organizer should be required to provide in support of the particular event. He then added that a more permanent solution and sustainable approach is desired for the 135A Street initiative by diluting or eliminating one-stop shopping for the drug/prostitution infrastructure that has come to exist in that area over time. He commented that the absence of such a plan would just continue to displace the problems. The statement was then made that the dismantling or diluting of the drug infrastructure would require assistance from senior levels of government and would take a significant amount of time. The suggestion was then raised to enlarge the city's enforcement level in the City Centre to a size that effectively causes the removal of one-top shopping and presumably individuals will start thinking of leaving the area instead of moving in. The City Manager noted that discussions would take place relative to next year's priorities and maintaining and sustaining resource levels. h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 6

6 A/Commr. Forbes agreed with the statement, adding that the RCMP is developing a long-term strategic plan with the City, benchmarking where the RCMP is today and future direction. He noted he had provided the Chair with copies of the North Carolina and Kelowna City social development models. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION It was Moved by Councillor Steele Seconded by Councillor Hunt That the Public Safety Committee recommends to Council that the increased RCMP presence in the 135A Street and City Centre areas be continued until the end of the year 2003 and that the City Manager be directed to ensure funds are available for this undertaking. Carried Discussion then turned to auto theft and the question was raised regarding the status of the bait car program. A/Commr. Forbes requested the subject be placed on the agenda for the next Public Safety Committee meeting. He continued that the RCMP is moving toward expansion of that program with the City of Vancouver and ICBC and that the program seems to have been successful. A/Commr. Forbes announced that the official opening of District Office No. 5 would take place Thursday, September 11, 2003 at 11:30 a.m. C. BY-LAWS/LEGAL 1. Methadone Pharmacies The City Solicitor reported that the pharmacies licensing dispute is going forward in the courts. He added that the City would be increasing the license fees for methadone clinics. 2. Surrey Community Improvement and Controlled Substance Manufacture By-law, 2001, By-law No The City Solicitor reported that an amendment would be forthcoming regarding the definition of dangerous hazardous manufacture in the By-law. Discussion turned to pawn shops and the City Solicitor commented that the City has a by-law in place regulating second hand stores and pawnshops. He continued that City staff performs spot checks on record-keeping and that the use of property for pawn shops is illegal, non-conforming and the use would eventually disappear. The City Solicitor also added that individuals must provide photo identification to pawn shop operators in order to sell their goods. The Senior By-law Officer h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 7

7 commented that although records are inspected, inventory counts should also be undertaken as a tracking method. D. FIRE SERVICES 1. B.C. Wildland Fires Chief Garis provided a verbal report of Surrey's role in battling B.C.'s wildland fires during recent weeks and noted that Council should be proud of Surrey's involvement and participation. He continued that the Office of the Fire Commissioner contacted Surrey Fire Service to supply surplus resources and although there may have been initial concerns regarding volunteer/career interaction under extreme conditions, very favourable reports came in from all areas where Surrey Fire Fighters were deployed. Chief Garis explained the process by which the regional commands were set up in order to operate a unified command center to oversee the huge amount of apparatus, equipment and resources. He stated that he toured the City of Penticton with their City Manager and Fire Chief who praised the contributions of Surrey's fire fighters and management staff. He added this praise speaks to Surrey's management experience and depth in terms of managing large organizations. Chief Garis stated that he was pleased and proud of the administration and fire fighters who acted in the best interests of the city. He continued that the Surrey fire fighters returned September 1, 2003 as the rain is slowing the fire's progress. He added that forestry and military personnel are still providing fire fighting services in the areas affected. E. OUTSTANDING ITEMS F. OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS 1. Squatters A brief discussion took place regarding the removal of squatters in city parks. Councillor Tymoschuk noted that a report was received at the Whalley Business Improvement Association meeting that a new tent had been erected in a vacant lot across the Gateway Skytrain station on the south side of 108 Avenue. h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 8

8 2. Fire Prevention The Manager, Safe Schools, asked if the Public Education Officer position would be filled once the current incumbent retires. Chief Garis responded that the actual position would be replaced. 3. Fire Prevention Week Chief Garis announced that Surrey's Fire Halls and a mall display would be held once again for Fire Prevention Week. He noted that further information regarding dates, times and locations would be provided to Council. 4. Whalley Enhancement Strategies at City Centre The City Manager reported that the following components of the Whalley Enhancement Strategy at City Centre are underway. Three capital projects including an multi-use playing field and indoor soccer field; $1.5 million in capital improvements to the Whalley Library and North Surrey Recreation Centre; New, imaginative improvements at Holland Park ($1.5 million); Additional programming at the Whalley library and North Surrey Recreation Centre focusing on clientele in the area to promote more activity and visibility; and Increased lighting, additional park acquisition, and roadwork. 5. Terms of Reference - Public Safety Committee The Committee Clerk to provide the original version of the Terms of Reference to the next committee meeting for review. The following comments were made: Amend the word "Services" under Item 5, second bullet. Amend the amount of Council members on the committee to an odd number to prevent quorum issues to read as follows: "The Public Safety Committee will consist of one chairperson and up to four other Council members to a maximum of five." Amend the meeting dates. 6. School Liaison Officers The Manager, Safe Schools, discussed the shortage of school liaison officers and noted that it is difficult to find applicants. She also noted that vehicles are required for these officers to travel between schools. Further discussion regarding h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 9

9 vehicles revealed they should be marked cars in order to provide maximum impact and identification. A/Commr. Forbes commented that he had discussed advertising for two school liaison officers with Sgt. Kopan and that he intended to talk to the City Manager regarding the need for a further 9 police cars. The Manager, Safe Schools, stated that with centralization, a lot of good things would be taking place this year. She added that she would prepare an evaluative summary at the end of school year to bring forward to this committee. The question was raised of using auxiliary officers for the school liaison officer program and A/Commr. Forbes responded that it is important to have a balance of RCMP and auxiliary officers in the program. G. NEXT MEETING Please note the next Public Safety Committee meeting has been rescheduled from October 8, 2003 to Wednesday, October 22, 2003 in the Executive Boardroom commencing at 9:00 a.m. H. ADJOURNMENT It was do now adjourn. Moved by Councillor Hunt/ Seconded by Councillor Steele That the Public Safety Committee meeting Carried The Public Safety Committee adjourned at 10:56 a.m. Chairperson h:\public safety\minutes\open\2003\09103openpsc.min.doc Page 10