Learn more about the century of policing in Terrace at a community barbecue that will feature displays about policing and Terrace RCMP tomorrow, June 27.
Policing began with the first police officer here, Tom Parsons, in 1913 and the original police station still stands at the corner of Kalum St. and Lakelse Ave. next to the Happy Gang Centre. Nowadays, the Terrace RCMP provides service to the community through a team of 45 police officers, led by three police officers: an inspector who is the officer in charge, a staff sergeant who oversees the operations of the detachment, and a sergeant who oversees the detachment administrations.
RCMP work is a 24/7 job. Crime has no schedule. The immediate policing needs of the community are met by four watches of general duty officers, who work shifts of 11 to 12 hours, 24 hours a day. These shifts often do not end on time. These RCMP officers willingly face hazardous, dangerous and harrowing situations so the public doesn’t have to. They do this so the community can happily and safely live their lives.
Policing is not just about boots on the street. It’s also about gathering, piecing together and analyzing information. Fighting crime is a joint effort. The RCMP works closely with governments, police forces, communities and public safety organizations to uncover and diffuse threats. Fighting crime also involves tackling root causes. The Terrace Crime Reduction Unit has involved the community to help, such as getting the assistance of the neighborhood residents of Haugland Ave. and Sunset Dr. to shut down a crack house last year.
To learn more about policing and the details of the barbecue, see Community Calendar under PSAs on page B2.