RCMP Wreck Beach patrols more friendly than expected
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Ubyssey (The University of British Columbia)
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2014/08/25
The RCMP has developed a somewhat friendlier relationship than many anticipated with the frequenters of Wreck Beach.
Judy Williams Chairperson of the Wreck Beach Preservation Society, wasn’t pleased when she heard about plans for a police tent on the beach, which she says is the safest beach in B.C.
“I have spent the last 45 years advocating for Wreck Beach as accepting, tolerant and loving,” said Williams. “We did not need that kind of negative publicity from an officer new to the beach intent on cleaning it up.”
Sgt. Drew Grainger of the UBC RCMP said the police tent was put in place mainly to have officers on hand in case they were needed on the beach.
“UBC is a small detachment,” said Grainger. “We only have two or three members patrolling at any given time of the day.”
“The tent was essentially a thing of shade for our officers,” said Grainger. “Our strategy down here was to enhance public safety, mitigate the need for call service for some of our officers up top.”
According to Grainger, this was a strategy to foster mutual understanding about what is responsible and respectful behaviour.
Williams, however, compared the frequent visitors of Wreck Beach to a family that can get by without the additional police presence.
“Like all families, we have our squabbles, but when push comes to shove, we are there for one another,” said Williams.
Williams further described the more relaxed stance of the police, even joining in some of the beach activities activities such as the Bare Buns Run on Aug. 10.
“At some point, I would imagine we will have a more tolerant attitude,” said Williams.
Still, Grainger said that the RCMP will continue to focus on preventing the overconsumption of alcohol and selling of illegal drugs on the beach.
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