RCMP react as domestic assaults skyrocket
Email
Print
Letter to Editor
Share
Updated: November 21, 2009 9:44 AM
Ridge Meadows RCMP will reinstate a position that deals with domestic assaults as they spike in both municipalities.
In Pitt Meadows, domestic assaults rose 87 per cent, to 28 from 15 between July and September, compared to the same period last year. In Maple Ridge, such files are up 16 per cent, with 12 being recorded in the same quarter.
Supt. Dave Walsh said the detachment was going to bring back the position, cut in 2003 and reassigned to the regional homicide team, prior to the spike.
“We deem it a priority, not based on those statistics, but based on the need for it in the past five or six years.”
The officer assigned will take control as lead investigator for high-risk files, liaise with families and make sure suspects are obeying bails conditions or restraining orders.
He or she will also help the victim navigate the court system and refer them to counselling services.
“The position’s mandate was to provide a more complete service to victims of violence,” Walsh said.
In order to create the position, RCMP will have to take one away from another unit.
“Given the seriousness of domestic violence, we feel it is the appropriate thing to do,” Walsh said.
