Gabriola RCMP approved for Speed Watch funding from ICBC

Sounder News

Gabriola RCMP had 81 calls for service in December.

Cpl. Jordan Mullen, Detachment Commander for the Gabriola RCMP, thanked islanders for what was a relatively uneventful holidays season for the RCMP.

A couple notable events – one was the RCMP cruiser being struck by a vehicle during a Check Stop on New Year’s Eve, as reported on in last week’s Sounder.

Also, Gabriola RCMP assisted the BC SPCA with seizing pets from a home on Mudge Island. Approx. 45 cats and dogs were taken into custody.

Mullen had a reminder that students are back in school this week, RCMP will continue to patrol the school zone, asking drivers to remember to slow down.

Mullen said the detachment has been pre-approved through funding from ICBC to run a Speed Watch program on Gabriola.

Speed Watch is an ICBC sponsored educational program aimed at reducing incidents of speeding. This program not only provides awareness to drivers who are speeding, but it also provides valuable data to the RCMP and ICBC on areas where speeding is a significant problem. Speed Watch checks are operated by dedicated volunteers who have been trained by the police or qualified operators. Using portable radar equipment and an electronic digital board, volunteers monitor speeds in school and playground zones, high crash zones, and neighbourhood streets. Volunteers record the speed of vehicles and forward these reports to police and ICBC. Areas with high incidents of speeding will be considered for future RCMP enforcement.

Speed Watch program can be expanded to include distracted driving campaigns.

According to the RCMP, research has shown that Speed Watch does work.

Over 70 percent of drivers travelling 10km/h over the speed limit slow down when they see a speed reader board.

Volunteers will be needed for the program. Those wishing to be volunteers need to:

• Be 19 years of age or older, younger volunteer may be accepted with parent/guardian approval.

• Commit to a minimum of one year of voluntary service, providing a minimum of 4 hours per week, and be able to attend all required training sessions and meetings.

• Consent to a Police Records Check and background reference check.

• Must not be under investigation by any police force.

• Take an Oath of Confidentiality, adhere to the RCMP Organizational Code of Ethics and Harassment Policy, and abide by Detachment rules and regulations.

• Valid BC Driver’s License (for positions that require the use of a vehicle)

• Have and maintain a clean driving record for the past 5 years (for positions that require the use of a vehicle)

Should you wish to apply, please contact Cpl Jordan Mullen at 250-247-8333.