Could you identify a drug house in your neighbourhood?

RCMP in Oliver and Osoyoos have created an eight page questionnaire to help residents identify suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.

Corporal Dan Moskaluk says the questionnaire lists common characteristics of residences used as a base for criminal activities.

“Check lists also include template pages to gather suspect persons and vehicle information and descriptions. The questionnaire also addresses the benefits and method of completing victim impact statements. Victim impact statements are crucial information to bring forward to the courts as to how community members are negatively affected by this criminal activity,” says Moskaluk.

He says in order to provide the best police response, it is important for RCMP to have the most comprehensive information.

“The better the information we have, the higher our chances in obtaining the required judicial authorizations to make entries for searches. Good information also strengthens the evidence against these individuals when they are brought before the courts.”

Moskaluk says their goals are two fold, to assist in creating a safe and healthy community environment and discouraging drug trafficking and reducing the supply of illicit drugs by making it as difficult as possible for the illegal drug trade to function.

“Over the past few years, both detachments have been pro-active and aggressive in the enforcement and dismantling of the illegal drug trade seen in both communities and surrounding areas. We would like to build on these successes and require the assistance of the community to do so.”

Copies of the questionnaire are available at the Oliver and Osoyoos RCMP detachments and people with concerns about suspicious activity in their area are encouraged to pick one up.

Link: Drug house questionnaire