COURTENAY, B.C- Valley cops will be on bikes this summer.
According to a news release issued by the Comox Valley RCMP, the detachment has launched a bike unit made up of four frontline police officers.
Corporal Tori Cliffe, spokesperson for the detachment, indicated that there was a two-man bike unit four years ago in the Valley that was “quite well received”, though it was later shut down due to personnel needs. The unit announced today is a product of new Inspector Mike Kurvers.
Cliffe told the MyComoxValleyNow.com newsroom that Kurvers is a strong believer in a community presence for police, and the four bike officers will be seen in every Valley community, with a focus on large events. Presence at Mount Washington, as well as Denman and Hornby Islands, would likely occur for events.
The four officers were chosen by Kurvers after an internal competition at the detachment.
Patrols will run between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., including weekends.
Since March 12th, the bike officers have arrested three people, warned several people against smoking cannabis and consuming alcohol in local parks, issued violation tickets for consuming alcohol in public, seized methamphetamine, safely returned two intoxicated youths to their parents, and responded to more than 10 calls for service, according to the detachment.
“We will be all over the Comox Valley,” said Constable Paul Jones, a member of the Comox Valley RCMP Bike Unit, in the release.
“We will be focusing on deterring crime and proactive education, particularly within the Motor Vehicle Act, Cannabis Act, and Liquor Control Act.”
The patrols will also be directed to areas where frequent reports of unlawful activity are being received.
The police urged residents to report crime when it happens, even if it seems insignificant, so they can increase patrols in these areas.
Reserve Constable Andrew Waddell, who is well known in the Valley for bike enforcement, will be continuing in his bike role in downtown Courtenay and the surrounding area.
