Playing poi LATE last month, West Vancouver MP John Reynolds, in his position as Reform Justice Critic, took on RCMP Commissioner Phillip Murray over the issue of the understaffing of B.C. Mountie detach- ments. With most Lower Mainland detachments run- ning with about 10% staffing shortfalls, Murray testified before the justice committee in the House, that the normal shortfall is about 2%. He tried to minimize the current prob- tems and deflect attention by suggesting Reynolds was criti- cizing the work of the officers at detachment level. In a letter written to Murray on May 26, Reynolds refuted the allegation: “Your officers in B.C. are thcing diffi- cult work situations because of staffing levels and are being forced to carry out their activi- ties from a deticient position, “Despite this, they are doing a superb job. T believe it would be parently unfair to make them the pawns or scapegoats in this government- initiated staffing reduction process.” Revnolds has recognized, correctly in my opinion, that RCMP understatting is little more than a political exercise designed to artificially hold budget leveis down at the risk of the safety of both the remaining of icers trying to do more with less and the general public who depend on the police for their protection. To demonstrate the politi- cization of justice as it exists in B.C. today, let’s have a look at mabe x crime and punishment the story of John Boncore, a native rights activist, and ex- RCMP corporal John Gould. At the end of the Gustafsen Lake trial, on sentencing day, Boncore spat in the face of Sheldon Tate, one of the team of defence lawyers representing the perpetrators of the armed standoff. A complaint was made at the Surrey detachment, and Gould, then in the Serious Crimes Section, was ordered to investigate the matter. The investigation resulted in an assault charge and the subsequent trial ended a cou- ple of weeks ago with a sus- pended sentence and shor term of probation handed out to Boncore. At the opening of the trial, the prosecutor advised the court she required 20 minutes to put in the Crown's case. The defence counsel, George Wool, dragged out the trial tor ovo whole days and the matter had to be put over for sentenc- ing. The Surrey courthouse was in high security mode for the trial, Metal detectors were employed to ensure none of the native activists took any violent action. Nine armed sheriffs patrolled the corridors, four of whom had to be brought in on overtime. The trial was heard in the only secure courtroom replete itics wi with bulletproof glass and armed guards. All tor a spitting tral. During the trial Gould was roasted by defence counsel for the length of time it took to complete his investigation into the matter. After the trial, Gould explained his position in a letter to the Surrey Now. “Twas a member in the Serious Crimes section st the largest, busiest, most under- stated RCMP detachment in Canada. [, like every member on our unit, was bogged down with murder, rape and armed robbery investigations. “To tell the truth, this file was thrown at the bottom of the pile. I found it difficult to explain to a murder victim's family that their investigation was put on hold as I was tied up investigating a spitting offence.” Gould said, “The chief superintendent of Surrey detachment went on national news last month explaining his detachment was broke. * ... Police airplanes and helicopters had been ground- ed, boats docked, Serious Crime investigations put on hold, overtime curtailed and seven damaged police cars sat rusting in the parking lot because there was no money to repair them,” he wrote. “Yer, somehow, the taxpay- ers had enough money to finance this investigation and tral,” Gould said. ronically, if a police officer is spat upon, recent court rul- ings have decreed it’s part of the job. Scrape off the oyster and get on with the job. But, when a lawyer gets horked on, it’s all hands to the pumps with a Serious Crimes investi- gator assigned the file. No Down on N. Shore dog owners parks to do their business. An open letter to dog owners: I moved to North Vancouver 10 years ago and can honestly say I’ve never seen such an inconsiderate, rude group of people in nw lite as Shore. The bulk of you take your dogs for walks in the wee hours of the morning so they can dete- cate on other people’s lawns as you are too lazy to clean it up yourselves. J don’t enjoy the “poop patrol” before I mow my lawn. Worse are those who take your dogs to playgrounds and athletic you dog owners on the Nort! 10 r M. Morton The greatest peril are the walkers of untrained dogs. While running I've been chased, jumped on, nipped, knocked also had a dog chase my running stroller, repeat- edly biting at it. Many of my friends carry pepper spray because of jerks like vou. The next time I” am injured by a dog, I mav do the American thing and sue the owner, It could be you. down and menaced. I have North Vancouver We're delighted ... BE BACK EAE, The North Shore Neighbourhood House is again fully operational. All child care centres, fitness programs, seniors’ programs and day trips, drop-in youth programs, support groups and certain spring recreational programs are functioning for the community. We are excited about our summer programs which will be offered as advertised. Mark Saturday, September 25 on your calendar now and join us for our 60th Anniversary Celebrations. Our doors are open and we welcome the community back. North Shore Neighbourhood House 225 E. 2nd Street North Van. oA? 987-8138 www.kicknewmedia.com/nsnh expense spared for this loogic lunacy. Gould pointed out that court time is at a premiu. .. With the closure of the Langley, West Van and Richmond courthouses last year by our cost-conscious attorney general, the remain- ing courthouses are bursting at the scams. Langley cases are assigned to Surrey. Surrey, now overloaded, sends its overtlow to Delta and Coquitlam. Court administra- tors are even contemplating moving some of the Surrey tri- als to Chilliwack! According to Gould, “There are cases of individuals not being charged for BRE and auto theft due to the over- crowded courts, however, spit- ting trials proceed.” Gould concluded, “When you consider the cost ofa secure courtroom, prosecutors and defence fees, sheriff over- time and ather expenses, which included bringing a defence lawyer down from Kamloops at Crown's expense, this had to be the most expen- sive spitting trial in Canadian history.” Gould became so frustrated that he quit the RCMP. Not to take a pension. Far from it. He had served for 184 years, a year and a half short of his David Neel “Native JEWweLtery/ Weppinc RInGs” All Back Packia on display in th Wednesday, June 9, 1999 — North Shore News — 7 minimum pension time. He quit because he just couldn’r take it any more. Chalk up one more vacant position in the RCMP because of political stupidity. The expe- rienced, veteran homicide (and spitting) investigator will be replaced next vear sometime — maybe — with a recruit just out of training. ith our justice system In the ulumate irony, AG Ujjal Dosanjh, whose staff pushed the spitting trial, wrote to the federal solicitor general complaining of the staffing shortages here in B.C. He was accused by the federal govern- meat and Phillip Murray of playing politics. Horrrrk. Pruuii. — lknight@direct.ca 1a AS services On, Lube & Fitter j ne pores 21 pt. Safety check, 15 minutes - FAST! Includes up to S litres of 10w30 Cuakerstate | 4362 Marine Drive sao-ons.——t Lens 8:00em-6:00pm, Sun 9.00amn-5:0pm Expins June 23/99 {Park Royal South next ia the Vanden Bosch tisanes and associated paraphernalia at ahe'Toa Store Market 921-2888 SON Itd. S.LAURSEN & draperies & blinds Serving the Lower Mainland for over 27 years wvew.sidrapasandblinds.com Custom Rods, Upholstery o reads (Ask about our ‘Senion Discount For Free Estimate call 922-4975 or 987-2966 Drapery Labour $13.50 per panel lined. Low Low Paricss 40%: LO 4 (Sattirday Only) And Family Tents 10%~30% OFF and will be e parking lt PLUS enter to win a a Family Tent.