Rick Stiebel/B次元官网网址 staff

The West Shore RCMP serves up a stroll down memory lane for those old enough to remember where the term B次元官网网址渃opB次元官网网址� originated from.

The detachment recently instituted foot patrols, which hearkens back to a time when B次元官网网址渃onstables on patrolB次元官网网址� were a familiar sight on most city streets, explained West Shore RCMP Const. Sean French, officer in charge of community policing.

B次元官网网址淭here was a time when we used to walk the beat regularly,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淥ne of the main appeals of foot patrols is that police officers are normally in their vehicles, and contact with the public can be sparse. This is an opportunity for people in the community to interact with police officers on a more personal level. ThereB次元官网网址檚 still a lot of value in getting out and speaking to people and shop owners. Everyone has a stake in the community.B次元官网网址�

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French and other officers have been out three or four times so far, walking from the detachment on Veterans Memorial Parkway along Goldstream Avenue to Ruth King elementary and back. B次元官网网址淲e interact with the students when theyB次元官网网址檙e out and chat with a few folks along the way,B次元官网网址� he added.

The idea of foot patrols arose from conversations with Insp. Todd Preston, who assumed the role of officer in charge at the detachment in August. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 very supportive of community policing initiatives,B次元官网网址� French noted. B次元官网网址淭his was completely home grown at the detachment level. This is something we can do when time and resources permit, and the response from the public so far has been very positive.B次元官网网址�

rick.stiebel@goldstreamgazette.com