| Vol. 1 No. 9 1999-08-20 | |||||||||
Bell Island Community Policing Newsletter Community Policing - Everyone’s Business |
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| CONTENTS
Booze, Lose and Choose
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by Sgt. Wayne Hebb Many advertisements both past and present, depict drinking alcoholic beverages as an adventurous, exciting lifestyle full of parties and good times. There are no doubt times when the good times roll but unfortunately in my line of work we see the results of when the good times turn bad. Fights, assaults, threats, emotional abuse, financial difficulties, other addictions, criminal activity, serious injury, death, etc., all occur when some people choose to drink. Picture a baby in his/her crib left unattended while the parents are passed out at the kitchen table. Picture a woman laid out on the street with her clothing soiled by urination or worse. Picture youths at the hospital getting their stomachs pumped because of a toxic reaction to over drinking. Picture a motor vehicle accident in which a passenger in a car driven by an impaired driver has been decapitated. Picture a woman whose face has been beaten to a pulp by her husband in a drunken rage. That’s some of what a police officer sees when some people get on the booze. I guess it’s easy for some on the outside to see what a person loses when alcohol takes control. How can you ever repair the damage caused to your family? Often a person affected by another’s alcohol abuse carries emotional scars for years and in some cases a lifetime. One often hears that certain persons who drink are completely different when sober. They often do things while drinking they would never do when sober. However, ask a person who has been assaulted by a person under the influence if it makes a difference that the assaulter wouldn’t have done it if he/she had been sober. When you abuse alcohol you lose respect, self-esteem, trust of others, family support, etc. and you gain fear, guilt, loathing, amongst other things. Once one makes the choice to drink all the other things that happen become their responsibility. Addicted persons often try to lay the blame on someone else but it is their choices that causes the problems they have encountered. All a person needs to do is to seriously consider what their drinking is doing to themselves and others around them. The answers are there but to accept them is often a scary proposition. The alternative though is that without change things will only get worse when it comes to alcohol abuse. Anyone can choose a better life and if that means a life without alcohol, then so be it. There are agencies there to help you get through this problem. It’s a tough choice, but aren’t you and those that love you worth it?
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Summers are usually when most of us decide to take a vacation. It is a time we need to relax and enjoy ourselves. One of the things that perhaps causes some distress is whether or not your home will be safe while you are away. Here are a few tips which will help protect your home: 1. Make a list of items in your home, garage and/or shed. Record serial numbers or mark items for identification. 2. Secure all doors and windows. 3. Don’t advertise your absence. Cancel all home deliveries (newspapers, etc.) 4. Leave some inside lights on or set an automatic timer for a specific time. 5. Notify police if your home will be unoccupied during holidays or absence. Advise police if lights will be left on and who to contact in event of an emergency. 6. Have a neighbour or friend check your home while you are away. The neighbour should report all suspicious activity and jot down licence numbers and descriptions immediately. 7. When you return check your residence and notify the police of your return. These few simple steps can help protect you home and make your holiday much more enjoyable.
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Policing Stories from the Past By Sgt. Wayne Hebb When I was a young police officer just fresh from the training depot in Regina I thought of things rather simply. There were good people and there were bad people and I was here to protect the good from the bad. I continued this thinking for a few months after my arrival at my first posting in this province. It was an incident which occurred one cold, damp day in early spring some 25 years ago, that changed my thinking forever. One of the senior members of the detachment I was working at was working on a file regarding a theft of paint and some other items from a local business in a community policed by our detachment. He had a search warrant for the residence of a suspect and asked me to assist him in the search. I readily agreed as this was an opportunity to catch one of the "bad guys". An opportunity which I felt would most definitely give me that good feeling that resulted from stopping a criminal in his tracks. I waited in anticipation as we travelled the dusty gravel road to the suspect’s house. On our arrival, I observed an old two story house which was in need of an exterior paint job but in an otherwise good state of repair. We knocked on the door and a woman answered us. The senior member explained the search warrant and the woman admitted us into the kitchen. The suspect, the woman’s husband was away the woman explained as we entered the kitchen. The kitchen was a large open area with a wood stove in the middle. The wood stove was stoked up good and it was warm and cozy. The kitchen was nothing fancy but it was clean and tidy. There was a door on one wall which lead to the rest of the house. There were five or six children ranging in age from 10 to 17 years sitting around an old chrome set near the wood stove. The woman explained to her children what we were there for and everyone became quiet. We had them, I knew it, it was only to find the items on the warrant to clue this one up. The woman then went to the cupboard and produced three gallons of paint and related this was the stolen property. "Bingo!!" I thought jubilantly. We took the paint and explained that we had to complete the search of the house for the other items. As we looked around the kitchen, the family was very quiet. No one made a sound or movement as we searched through cupboards and closets. Then we moved toward the door that lead to the rest of the house. I can’t remember what happened exactly but all of a sudden the whole family was crying and screaming and blocking our access to this door. I was somewhat startled by this reaction but immediately thought they were only doing this because the rest of the stolen items were beyond that door. After a few minutes, we managed to open the door. It was a door that had to be opened, I know, but it is one that I have since often wished had remained closed. The house beyond the kitchen was only a shell. All the wall material and parts of the floor had been removed, presumably to heat the kitchen area. This area was unheated and the wind easily found its way through the gaping spaces in the clapboard. There was no furniture, no pictures of fond memories on the walls, no mats, nothing. We continued up the once finely carved staircase, now gouged and torn as a result of a search for warmth. The only thing we found upstairs were some old bed frames with mattresses which had little or no stuffing left in them and in a couple of rooms the stuffing had been replaced with straw. Now it was our turn to be abnormally quiet. I was totally shocked by this display of abject poverty. I had grown up in a family which was not well to do by any means but we certainly had plenty of food, clothing, and a good house to live in. I realized then, that poverty was only a word to me and how little I actually knew about it. Reluctantly, we headed back to the kitchen. It was probably one of the most uncomfortable moments as that door opened and we were face to face with that family. There was hurt and anger in their reddened eyes as we explained what the procedure would be and that we would be back with a summons for the father at a later date. The mother humbly listened and respectfully bid us good bye as we left the premises. The rumble of the tires on the gravel road was the only sound in the police car as we drove back to the office. Yes, there had been an offence and we had found who was responsible but there was no victory for justice on this day. It was still wrong, there was no question about that, but knowing that didn’t really help. It was perhaps a harsh realization to discover things really aren’t the way you thought they were. Black and white makes everything plain and simple but in this job you often have to deal with shades of grey.
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The RCM Police Bell Island Community Policing Office received 72 requests for service during the month of July. The following are a sample of the calls received: On 99-07-01 between 1700 and 1830 hrs approximately $120 was taken from a residence on the East End of Bell Island. An investigation was conducted and a 32 year old Bell Island man was charged with theft and breach of probation as a result. There is a trial on this matter scheduled for 99-08-31. On 99-07-01 a 36 year old Bell Island man was apprehended for impaired driving. He will appear in court on 99-08-11. 99-07-02 at 3:05 am an elderly Bell Island lady reported that an intruder had just been in her residence. She had chased the intruder out with a stick. Police responded and a 32 year old Bell Island man was arrested for this offence. The man was held in custody on this and a number of other charges until his trial on 99-08-31. On 99-07-04, a Bell Island woman reported that sometime between 99-07-01 and 99-07-04 someone had stolen a whipper snipper from the shed of her residence on Main St. On 99-07-04 a Tucker Street resident reported the theft of a lawn mower from her residence. The theft occurred sometime overnight. On 99-07-05, police received a report from caretaker of Immaculate Conception school. He reported that two windows had been broken out of the school. The damage occurred sometime between 99-07-02 and 99-07-05. Sometime between 99-07-05 and 99-07-07 someone broke the windows out of a bus situated near Dominion Pier. The bus is a converted camper and had the front and side windows broken out. On 99-07-09, a resident of Steve Neary Blvd reported the theft of his lawn mower. The lawn mower is gas powered and green in colour. The theft occurred sometime between 99-07-03 and 99-07-09. On 99-07-12 a 1994 red Toyota 4 runner was damaged while it was parked in the driveway of its owner in West Mines. The windshield and power antenna were damaged and the tires were flattened. On 99-07-12 around 8:00 pm, the Bell Island fire Department received a call of a fire behind the trade school. The fire department responded but no fire located. An investigation was conducted and a 13 year old Bell Island boy has been charged with making a false fire call. This is the second time this youth has been charged with this offence. He was previously convicted on 99-07-16 for the previous offence. He will appear in court on 99-08-31. On 99-07-17 a report of assault was received. A 29 year old Bell Island male was assaulted by a 21 year old Bell Island male at a dance at the Bell Island arena. The 29 year old male received severe bruising to his facial area. Charges are pending the completion of the investigation. At 2:37 am on 99-07-18 police were called to the scene of a disturbance on the parking lot of a local licenced establishment. Three persons were arrested at this time and an investigation was conducted. Five Bell Island males and one female were charged with causing a disturbance. Two further charges were laid against two of the males involved. One male was charged with resisting arrest and another was charged with escaping lawful custody. They will appear in court on 99-08-11. On 99-07-22, police received a report of a window broken out of the Wabana Town Council. The damage was done by a beer bottle and occurred sometime overnight. At 3:00 am on 99-07-24 police were called to the scene of a disturbance on Grammar Street. A number of people were fighting on the property of a residence in that location. Police responded and two persons were arrested at this time. The investigation of this incident resulted in the laying of 17 charges against 8 Bell Island residents age 18 to 41 years. Charges include Assault causing bodily harm, Assault with a weapon, causing a disturbance, mischief and obstruction of police officer. These persons will appear in court on 99-09-15 to plead to these charges. On 99-07-25, a 39 year old Bell Island man was charged for breach of probation. He will appear in court on 99-09-15. On 99-07-25, police responded to a call of a disturbance from an elderly Bell Island woman on this date. A 20 year old male was arrested and held in custody. He was released from custody on 99-07-26 to appear in court on 99-08-11. On 99-07-30, employees of the newly formed greenhouse,
Operation Sunshine arrived to find that sometime overnight someone had
thrown rocks at the greenhouse resulting in seven tears in the plastic
covering. The greenhouse is located just off West Mines Road in Number 3
Yard. While the damage is minor, this causes some concern for employees and
organizers. The Operation Sunshine greenhouse is a business developed to
help specially challenged individuals in this community. It is a venture in
which these individuals work, socialize and learn new skills. The concern of
parents, organizers and employees is that this type of damage mars the
appearance and causes financial stress on the business.
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Constable Gerry Dwyer shows off the new Toronto Police "Safety Bug,"which is part of a joint project between Volkswagen Canada Inc., Toronto Police Service and Scarborough Safety Village. The new Beetle is being provided to the Village by Volkswagen and will be a high profile addition to the police safety programme. Through the use of video and real police officers the Beetle will act as a tool to keep the children interested and focused on the safety demonstrations. The Beetle has been equipped with a video camera and VCR. Allowing the training officer to speak into the camera and then be broadcast on to a large screen TV to be seen and heard by all the children around the vehicle. Safety videos will also be shown and with the touch of a button the screen will switch from officer to movie. From Blue Line Magazine - June / July 1999 p. 41
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Bell Island Ferry Users Committee Report by Ed Kent The Users Committee has been extremely active in the past 6 months. Members include: B. Fitzpatrick, Chair, Gary Gosine, Keith Kent, Linda Skehans, Marg. Skehans, Tony Power, Ed. Kent, Consultant. RATE FREEZE: The committee convinced Government to freeze rates until April 1, 2000 with a comprehensive consultation process commitment this fall. We are now lobbying heavily for a rate roll back to the equivalent cost of road travel (Regular passenger vehicle/driver would pay $3.50 round trip vs $5.00.) DESIGNATE FERRY AS HIGHWAY ROUTE We have asked Government to designate all ferry routes as part of highway system and to be treated policy wise as part of highway system. BEAUMONT HAMMEL With optimism we have negotiated three extra trips daily for the summer schedule which ends Oct. 2, 1999. The problems with the Beaumont Hammel have caused havoc with this plan. We have asked Government to replace the Beaumont Hammel thruster system if vessel is not soon fixed. Pending resolution of Beaumont problems, government has committed the Hamilton Sound to the service. USER SURVEY We have assisted the I.A.S. Committee formulate the user survey and will review it in September and present results to Government. FALL SCHEDULE A new fall two vessel schedule will be implemented from Oct. 3/99 to Dec. 19/99 based on imput from the survey. BELL ISLAND UPGRADE We have requested Government to honour commitments to overhaul the Bell Island dock to accommodate the Beaumont Hammel. BELL ISLAND TERMINAL BLDG. We have requested Government to build a new terminal bldg. on Bell Island as previously committed. JULY STATISTICS In July, despite vessel problems, service carried 51,653 passengers versus 47,197 in 1998 and 21,296 vehicles versus 18,935 in July 1998. Of the 599 trips scheduled, 529 were completed. COMMUTER TICKETS, ETC. In the near future, commuters will be able to purchase $24. Advance tickets for 12 round trips in 28 days. To improve ferry vessel turn around these tickets will be required to be purchased by commuters to avail of reduced rates. Renewal of commuters passes application forms for the next period will soon be available. FLANDERS OVERHAUL We are especially pleased with the refit of the Flanders and the new seating and ask all users to help keep the vessel clean and respect the non smoking rules. FEEDBACK If you have any suggestions, etc., please contact a committee member.
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On 99-07-11 Marie Decker competed in the Tely 10 Mile Road Race in St. John’s and finished first amongst the lady competitors with a time of 62:43 minutes. Scott Young , a former Bell Island resident finished first among the men. Congratulations to both Marie and Scott. Marie has also had some other sucesses this summer. On 99-08-01, she competed in the Labatt’s Gander Timex 10 km road race in Gander. She finished first among the ladies with a time of 40:59 minutes. Her latest race was on Saturday 99-08-14 when she ran in the Quidi Vidi 5 km race. She finished second in this race. Congratulations are in order for her excellent performance. She is certainly the runner to watch this year. We hope her run of success continues.
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By Sgt. Wayne Hebb The Bell Island Heritage Society is well under way to having another busy season. Clayton King, estimates they have had approximately 3500 visitors to the Number Two Mine Tour and are expecting the numbers of visitors to continue through to late September. The Bell Island Heritage Society has enlisted the assistance of the RCMP Bell Island Community Policing Office in issuing complimentary tickets to the Mine Tour to visitors to Bell Island. A number of visitors were pleased to receive these tickets and enjoyed the tour of the mine. The Iron Ore mines were in production for seventy one years when they closed in 1966. It was the world’s largest submarine Iron Ore mine and over 78 million tons of ore were shipped from these mines during its service. The tour is open to anyone both visitors and residents alike for a fee of $3.00 per youth and $5.00 per adult. It is an interesting tour which is rich in history. It is complimented on the weekend by a play produced by the First Light Productions. For further information on the Number Two Mine Tour you can contact their office number 709-488-2880 and First Light Productions can be reached through the following numbers: 709-753-6463 or 709-576-6463. The new museum building situated on the Number Two mine site is now nearing the finishing stages and is expected to be completed in about two weeks. The new building will be up and running for the year 2000 season. The Bell Island Heritage Society is looking for donations of mining artifacts or other historic artifacts which could be included in displays at the museum.
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Bell Island Day This year’s Bell Island day was held on July 25th. It was a tremendous success and many groups and organizations turned out to make this an enjoyable, fun-filled day. A full week or weekend is being planned for next year, so please plan to take part. The council wishes to thank everybody who helped and participated in the Bell Island Day activities. Incinerator The incinerator is back in service. Residents are advised to use the incinerator during the hours of 7:30 am and 3:30 pm Monday to Friday each week. New pump A new pump has been installed to help properties at the West Mines and Butler’s Marsh areas. There has been an ongoing problem over the summer with water shortages in these areas. Council hopes the problems have now been rectified. Ferry User Committee Council wishes to commend the Ferry User Committee on their efforts for an improved ferry services.
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Wabana Volunteer Fire Department Report by Chief Jim Pendergast In July the fire dept. had its annual street dance and it was a huge success, our goal of $1400.oo was surpassed. We would like to thank everyone who supported us. The money that was raised will be used to purchase cylinders for our breathing apparatus. .In August we had our annual street dance for the youth of the Island.This is a free dance for the young people of our Island. It was 7:00pm to 9:00pm.for kids 12 years and under and 9:00pm to 12:00am.for those 13 to 18. Everyone who attended enjoyed themselves. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported this dance. Foodland, Jutebox Junction, Ridgeway Variety, Heritage Society, Gary Hunt and Browning and Harvy, Matin Hurley and Coke-A-Cola, Mr. Home Movie, Home Hardware, and Diamond Club Teen Center & Fox. As of July 2/99 we responded to 10 calls: Three false alarms (under investigation) Cat up pole; Bog fire; Fire alarm ringing; BBQ in woods; Grass fire; House fire; Car fire. Should you require the services of the Wabana Volunteer Fire Department our emergency telephone number is 709-488-2900.
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By Sgt. Wayne Hebb On 99-08-11 a number of persons appeared in provincial court, St. John’s to plead to charges relating from offences which occurred on Bell Island. A number of persons entered not guilty pleas and had their matters postponed for trial. The following were the persons convicted on this date: A 36 year old Bell Island man was convicted of impaired driving. It was his second conviction for this offence and he was sentence to serve 14 days in jail intermittently. He was also prohibited from driving a motor vehicle in Canada for a period of eighteen months. A 22 year old Bell Island man entered a plea of guilty to a charge of causing a disturbance. This offence incurred on the parking lot of a local licensed establishment on 99-07-18. There were five other individuals charged as a result of this incident. The man was convicted and fined $175.00. A 24 year old Bell Island woman entered a plea of guilty to a charge of causing a disturbance resulting from the same incident as above. She was convicted and fined $175.00. A 49 year old Bell Island man entered pleas of guilty to charges of uttering threats and breach of probation. These offences were as a result of an incident when the man threatened a 29 year old Bell Island man. The man was convicted and the matter has been set over for sentencing on 99-09-15.
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Photographs are worth a 1000 words and no truer statement was ever made. Last month Reg Durdle was kind enough to scan some of the photographs into the July newsletter. This produced a better quality but the quality is reduced in the photocopying process. We will continue to put photographs in the newsletter and hopefully find a way to improve the quality of them. Please bear with us in the meantime. The quality of the photographs is excellent on the newsletter website which is maintained by Reg Durdle. You can visit the website at the following address: www.bellisland.net/bicpn/ I cannot give enough praise to Reg Durdle for the excellent work he has done on this website. Thanks again, Reg. We continue to receive emails on the newsletter and all comments to date have been very positive. This is certainly encouraging and reinforces this newsletter as an excellent community policing tool. If you have any comments, suggestions or you wish to discuss a personal or community problem, by all means visit our office situated on Memorial Street or contact us at the following: Telephone 709-488-3312 Everyone is Worthy of Respect
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By Sgt.
Wayne Hebb
