Bell Island Community Policing Newsletter

Community Policing - Everyone’s Business

It's been a few months since Sgt. Hebb put out the last of his edition of the Bell Island RCMP Community Policing Newspaper, but the torch has been lit again.
A lot has changed since then. There are 4 new members at the Bell Island Detachment, all of whom have arrived starting in May. With all the positive comments that have been said about the newspaper it was felt that it is a good thing for the community and would be started up again. I hope that it will be as good as the newspaper that Sgt. Hebb created, but I offer no promises. Only time will tell as to how good we are doing.

New Faces

My name is Cst. Scott Stephenson and I transferred to Bell Island in May 2000. I have 11 years service and have spent all my service in Prince George, British Columbia prior to coming to Bell Island. In some ways I guess I was fortunate to stay in one place for such a long time and enjoyed Prince George. My experience includes general duties (patrol), traffic enforcement and drug enforcement.

The other new members are;

Sgt. Ron Andrews has 28 years service which have been spent in New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Ron transferred to Bell Island in July from Headquarters in St. John’s and has experience in general duties, traffic enforcement, general investigation section, commercial crime and customs and excise.

Cst. Steve Harper has 5 years experience all spent in Newfoundland. Steve transferred to Bell Island in July from Bonavista and has experience in general duties, traffic enforcement and drug investigations.

Cst. Geoff Peddigrew has 4 years experience all spent in Newfoundland. Geoff transferred to Bell Island in June from Twillingate and has experience in general duties, traffic enforcement and drug investigations.

The only familiar face at the detachment is Cst. Roy Kendall with 19 years service which have been spent in British Columbia and Newfoundland. Roy has experience in general duties, traffic enforcement, marine section and customs and excise.

Last but not least is our detachment clerk Mrs. Dale Fitzgerald. Dale has been at the detachment for 23 years now and has seen lots of changes in that time.

(L-R) Cst. Geoff Peddigrew, Cst. Roy Kendall, Cst. Steve Harper, Sgt. Ron Andrews and Cst. Scott Stephenson

Recent Stats

Since May 2000 there have been 116 calls for service broken down as follows:
Arson - 1
Assaults - 17
Assistance to General
Public - 5
Accidents - 3
Disturbance - 7
Property Damage - 20
Drugs - 5
Property Checks - 6
Break & Enters - 10
False Alarms - 5
Suspicious Persons and Vehicles - 3
Thefts - 5
Fraud/Forgery - 2
Sexual Assault - 3
Breach of the Peace - 1
Provincial Acts - 11

Here are some of the matters which have been before the courts since the last Newsletter.

On June 25^th a 34 year-old Bell Island male was charged with possession of marihuana after a routine vehicle check on The Green. He entered a guilty plea and was given a fine.

A 25 year-old St. John’s male was arrested on June 26^th in Lance Cove for possession of marihuana for the purpose of trafficking. He appeared in court on August 16^th and entered a plea of not guilty. The matter has been set for trial in April 2001.

On July 7^th a 21 year-old Bell Island male was charged with supplying liquor to a minor. He appeared in court on October 18^th and entered a guilty plea and was given a fine and probation.

A 15 year-old Bell Island female was charged with public mischief after she had reported to Police on July 8^th that she had been sexually assaulted. She appeared in court on September 26^th and plead guilty to the charge and was sentenced to 1 year probation.

On July 15^th a disturbance at the Monsignor Bartlett Arena resulted in a 43 year-old Bell Island female and 42 year-old male being charged with causing a disturbance, assault and breach of probation. The female entered a plea of guilty in a court appearance and received a conditional sentence and a year probation. The male has entered a not guilty plea and the matter has been set for trial.

A hit and run motor vehicle accident which occurred on July 20^th resulted in charges of impaired driving causing bodily harm and leaving the scene of an accident being laid against a 28 year-old male from Ontario. The male has returned to Ontario and there is a warrant out for his arrest, and he is also facing a further charge of failing to appear and failing to comply with a court order.

A disturbance on Steve Neary Blvd. in the early morning hours of July 23^rd resulted in 3 Bell Island males being arrested and charged with causing a disturbance by fighting, breach of probation and obstruction. Two of the males were 21 years of age and the third was 27 years of age. All three appeared in court in October and plead guilty and were given sentences ranging from fines, probation and jail.

On July 27^th a 34 year-old Bell Island male was charged with 3 counts each of forgery, uttering forged documents and false pretences stemming from cheques passed at 3 local Bell Island businesses. The matter is still before the courts at this time.

Also on this date a 49 year-old Bell Island male was arrested for shoplifting after being caught leaving a Bell Island business without paying for merchandise. The male plead guilty on October 18^th and received probation.

Five Bell Island males ranging in age from 20-23 were charged for causing a disturbance by fighting at a street dance at the Firehall on August5^th. Four of the five have plead guilty in court and received probation and fines. A warrant is outstanding for the fifth male on this matter

A HONDA trike was stolen from a residence in Lance Cove in the early morning hours of August 8th. Two males both aged 18, one from St. John’s and the other from Bell Island were arrested later by Police and charged for theft under $5000.00. The matter is still before the courts.

Two Bell Island males aged 17 and 19 were charged after they were caught attempting to break into the Family Drug Mart on August 18^th. The two were caught hiding in the bushes nearby when Police attended the complaint. One of the males was dealt with by Alternative measures, while the other male entered a guilty plea in court and received a jail term.

Two Bell Island males aged 16 and 18 were charged with assault after an incident on Steve Neary Blvd. on September 16^th. The 16 year-old plead guilty in court and received probation, and the 18 year-old is still before the courts.

Police charged 7 Bell Islanders, 6 males between the ages 15-20 and 1 female aged 16, stemming from an incident on Steve Neary Blvd. on September 24^th. The charges range from causing a disturbance to assault with a weapon. The matter is still before the courts at this time.

Two males aged 17 and 18 from Bell Island were caught in the early morning hours of October 15th smashing windows in St. Boniface High School. The two were charged with mischief and illegal consumption of alcohol. The 17 year-old will be appearing in court in December and the 18 year-old will appear in January 2001.

They were both released on undertakings with conditions pending their court appearances.

Christmas Parade

Sunday December 3rd was the annual Christmas Parade which was well represented by various business, community and service groups. The event was well attended and a good time was had by all.
Here are some the entries in this year's parade.

Remembrance Day Services

Bell Islanders put forth a special effort to honor those who gave their lives for us. Many residents and community groups attended the ceremonies which began at the Bell Island Royal Canadian Legion Branch 18, with the laying of a wreath. Next was a church service at St. Michael's Catholic Church followed by the attendance at the War Memorial on Memorial St. A fine job of Last Post was done by Donnie Hibbs of CLB Old Comrades Drum and Bugle Band. A luncheon was held for all at the Legion afterwards.

Law Enforcement Torch Run

Thursday June 8th the 2000 Newfoundland and Labrador Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run was held on Bell Island. Members of the Bell Island Detachment, Special Olympians and community residents ran and walked around Bell Island to raise funds for Special Olympics. A total of 15 people participated in the event and raised $1383 through pledges and t-shirt sales. A barbeque was held at the detachment afterwards and was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Wayne Fitzgerald for volunteering his time and skills as the Chef. You're invited back next year Wayne!

The Bell Island RCMP would like to thank all residents and businesses who donated to this very worthwhile cause.

For anyone interested, the 2001 Law Enforcement Torch Run T-Shirts are available. If you would like one drop by the detachment and see Cst. Stephenson.

On May 25, 2000 between midnight and 7:00 am culprits stole a 1999 FORD Cube Van belonging to Clarke and Clarke Home Hardware. The vehicle was found later in the day in the west end of the island and had been completely destroyed by fire.

On May 30, 2000 culprit(s) cut the phone lines at FOODLAND on Quigley’s Line. It appears that the culprit(s) were attempting to disable the alarm to gain entry into the store, however their attempt was foiled by a police patrol car in the area.

Operation Sunshine on West Mines Rd. was the victim of willful damage on July 5 and again on October 2, 2000. The plastic covering the greenhouses had large rocks thrown through them sometime during the night.

A residence in Lance Cove was the victim of a break and enter on August 3, 2000, while the homeowners were away. Thieves made off with electronics, jewelery and power tools.

FOODLAND on Quigley’s Line had a front window smashed on September 30, 2000. No entry was gained into the store.

In the afternoon of November 8, 2000 entry was forced into a residence on Memorial St. while the resident was out. Money and tobacco was stolen.

Thieves were busy the morning of November 12, 2000 as they broke into a business on Main St. by smashing the front door out and gaining entry. Stolen was money, but worse than that was the mess that was left behind by the culprit(s). A short distance away, an attempt was made to break into a business on Church Rd. Culprit’s smashed off the hydro meter from the rear of the business to cut the power and then threw a rock through the front door but were unsuccessful in gaining entry. According to Stan MacDonald of Newfoundland Hydro, the person(s) responsible were quite lucky that they weren’t burnt to death when they smashed the meter. So whoever you are, you might not be so lucky one of these days.

Suspect(s) also smashed a window in the No.2 Mine Tours Building on The Green, however no entry was gained.

A residence on Theater Ave. was broken into in the morning hours of November 19, 2000 while the owner was out. Stolen was a stereo and compact discs.

On December 10, 2000 at approximately 2:00 am a culprit smashed the power meter and cut the phone line on a business on St. Pat’s Lane, and then smashed windows to gain entry. Once inside, the culprit ransacked the business and smashed a number of items. The suspect is described as a male, of slim build, approximately 5'6 tall, wearing a dark blue hip length jacket with a hood and dark colored pants. Power in the area was knocked out for a short while when the power meter was smashed.

Suspect(s) also smashed a window at a business on Bennett St., in the early morning hours of December 10, 2000. No entry was gained.

If anyone has any information on these crimes, please contact the Bell Island Detachment at ((709)488-3312 or CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-363-8477. Your identity will remain anonymous and a cash reward is available.

2410 BELL ISLAND CADETS

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the RCMP on once again activating their monthly Newsletter. I know it was missed by the people in the community, as well as myself.

Cadets started in September again this year at St. Michael's High School, after a successful summer for many of the cadets and officers at summer camps. At present we parade at 1:30 P.M. on each Sunday. We have been involved in several activities since starting again in September, including such things as The Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade, The Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Drive & Remembrance Day Parade, an adventure training day in Pippy Park, where canoeing and outdoor survival was taught, a rifle program, and Cold Weather Indoctrination held on December 10/11 in -27C temperatures (the cadets loved it), as well as a skating party during Christmas Vacation. Also in December, Cadets will be having their annual Christmas Tag in local stores to raise funds to support cadet activities. Please support the cadets if you see them in the stores.

The cadet promotions evening was held on Thursday, November 30th, with numerous cadets getting promotions and awards. At present the cadets holding top ranks at 2410 are RSM Naomi Wade, CSM Kim Dadd and DSM Crystal Churchill.

Cadets is a program for youth between the ages of 12 and 18 years of age. We do many fun and interesting activities, along with promoting leadership, responsibility, and encouraging the youth to reach for their goals. Please encourage you child to become involved in this program.

Seasons Greetings and have a safe and happy holiday.

Capt. Wayne Fitzgerald
C.O.
488-3057

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
Author Unknown

I hurried into the local department store to grab some last minute Christmas gifts. I looked at all the people and grumbled to myself. I would be in here forever and I just had so much to do. Christmas was beginning to become such a drag. I kind of wished that I could just sleep through Christmas. But I hurried the best I could through all the people to the toy department. Once again I kind of mumbled to myself at the prices of all these toys, and wondered if the grandkids would even play with them. I found myself in the doll aisle. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a little boy about 5 holding a lovely doll. He kept touching her hair and he held her so gently. I could not seem to help myself. I just kept looking over at the little boy and wondered whom the doll was for. I watched him turn to a woman and he called his aunt by name and said, "Are you sure I don't have enough money" She replied a bit impatiently, "You know that you don't have enough money for it". The aunt told the little boy not to go anywhere that she had to go get some other things and would be back in a few minutes. And then she left the aisle. The boy continued to hold the doll. After a bit I asked the boy whom the doll was for. He said, "It is the doll my sister wanted so badly for Christmas. She just knew that Santa would bring it". I told him that maybe Santa was going to bring it. He said, "No, Santa can't go where my sister is...I have to give the doll to my Mamma to take to her". I asked him where his sister was. He looked at me with the saddest eyes and said, "She has gone to be with Jesus". My Daddy says that Mama is going to have to go be with her". My heart nearly stopped beating. Then the boy looked at me again and said, I told my Daddy to tell Mama not to go, I told him to tell her to wait til I got back from the store". Then he asked me if I wanted to see his picture. I told him I would love to. He pulled out some pictures he had taken at the front of the store. He said, "I want my mamma to take this with her so she won't never forget me. I love my Mama so very much and I wish she did not have to leave me". "But Daddy says she will need to be with my sister". I saw that the little boy had lowered his head and had grown so very quiet. While he was not looking I reached into my purse and pulled out a handful of bills. I asked the little boy, "shall we count that money one more time". He grew excited and said, "Yes, I just know it has to be enough". So I slipped my money in with his and we began to count it. Of course it was plenty for the doll. He softly said, "thank you Jesus for giving me enough money". Then the boy said, "I just asked Jesus to give me enough money to buy this doll so Mama can take it with her to give to my sister." "And he heard my prayer. I wanted to ask him for enough to buy my Mama a white rose, but I didn't ask him but he gave me enough to buy the doll and a white rose for my Mama. She loves white roses so very, very much". In a few minutes the aunt came back and I wheeled my cart away. I could not keep from thinking about the little boy as I finished my shopping in a totally different spirit than when I had started. And I kept remembering a story I had seen in the newspaper several days earlier about a drunk driver hitting a car and killing a little girl and the Mother was in serious condition. The family was deciding on whether to remove the life support. Now surely this little boy did not belong with that story.

Two days later I read in the paper where the family had disconnected the life support and the young woman had died. I could not forget the little boy and just kept wondering if the two were somehow connected. Later that day, I could not help myself and I went out and bought some white roses and took them to the funeral home where the young woman was. And there she was holding a lovely white rose, the beautiful doll, and the picture of the little boy in the store. I left there in tears, my life changed forever. The love that little boy had for his little sister and his Mother was overwhelming. And in a split second a drunk driver had ripped the life of that little boy to pieces.

HUMOR

WILL THE REAL DUMMY PLEASE STAND UP?

AT&T fired President John Walter after nine months, saying he lacked intellectual leadership." He received a $26 million severance package. Perhaps it's not Walter who's lacking intelligence.

2. WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM OUR FRIENDS!
Police in Oakland, California spent two hours attempting to subdue a gunman who had barricaded himself inside his home. After firing ten tear gas canisters, officers discovered that the man was standing beside them, shouting "Please come out and give yourself up".

3. WHAT WAS PLAN B?
An Illinois man pretending to have a gun kidnapped a motorist and
forced him to drive to two different automated teller machines. The kidnapper then proceeded to withdraw money from his own bank accounts.

4. THE GETAWAY!
A man walked into a Topeka, Kansas Kwik Stop, an asked for all the
money in the cash drawer. Apparently, the take was too small, so he tied up the store clerk and worked the counter himself for three hours until police showed up and grabbed him.

5. DID I SAY THAT?
Police in Los Angeles had good luck with a robbery suspect who just
couldn't control himself during a lineup. When detectives asked each
man in the lineup to repeat the words, "Give me all your money or I'll
shoot," the man shouted, "That's not what I said!"

6. ARE WE COMMUNICATING?
A man spoke frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her
contractions are only two minutes apart!" "Is this her first child?" the doctor asked. "No!" the man shouted, "This is her husband!"

7. NOT THE SHARPEST KNIFE IN THE DRAWER!!
In Modesto, CA, Steven Richard King was arrested for trying to hold up a Bank of America branch without a weapon. King used a thumb and a finger to simulate a gun, but unfortunately, he failed to keep his hand in his
pocket.

(hellllllloooooooooo!)

8. THE GRAND FINALE
This is a true story! Last summer, down on Lake Isabella, located in the
high desert, an hour east of Bakersfield, California, some folks, new to boating, were having a problem. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get their brand new 22-ft. Bayliner to perform. It wouldn't get on a plane at all, and it was very sluggish in almost every maneuver, no matter how much power was applied. After about an hour of trying to make it go, they putted over to a nearby marina, thinking someone there could tell them what was wrong. A thorough topside check revealed everything in perfect working order. The engine ran fine, the outdrive went up and down, the prop was the correct size and pitch. So, one of the marina guys jumped in the water check underneath. He came up, choking on water, he was laughing so hard. REMEMBER, THIS IS TRUE...
Under the boat, still strapped securely in place, was the trailer.

WORK TERM EMPLOYEE

A young lady from Bell Island has been a work term student at the Bell Island Detachment for the past 10 weeks, all of which was voluntary. Her name is Ms. Janice Hammond who had taken office administration at KEYIN College in St. John's.

Janice worked closely with Mrs. Dale Fitzgerald as well as the detachment members and was a great asset to all.

Many thanks Janice for all your help, it was greatly appreciated.

CLOSING

I hope that you have enjoyed the newsletter. It will take a little time for me to get familiar with it, so be patient with me.

Have a Safe and Enjoyable Festive Season.

If you have any questions or comments about the newsletter, please contact us at the following

Telephone (709)488-3312

Toll Free 1-800-709-7267

Cell *7267

Fax (709)488-2311

E-Mail:
scott.stephenson@rcmp-grc.gc.ca


Due to the short notice that the newsletter was started, there was insufficient time to have input as had been done before. Next month will have more of input from other community groups as was done in the past newsletters.