According to Clearwater RCMP detachment commander Sgt. Kevin Podbisky, he has accepted a transfer back to Prince George with the RCMP’s staffing and personnel unit.
Speaking during a quarterly report given to Clearwater town council last month, Podbisky said the search for a replacement is now underway.
In the meantime, the Clearwater general duty detachment is fully staffed, with one sergeant, one corporal and four constables.
The Central Interior Traffic Services unit in Clearwater is also fully staffed, with one corporal and two constables.
Detachment members investigated 400 files during the third quarter (October – December) of 2016, he said. This is about the same as the 399 investigated during the same three months last year.
Traffic members investigated 56 files during the reporting period, making a total of 456.
In line with the detachment’s strategic priorities of addressing traffic safety and substance abuse, the Clearwater detachment and Traffic Service units issued a total of 512 tickets and warnings during the quarter.
A total of 15 drug seizures were make, nine by Traffic Services and six by general duty members.
A total of 15 drivers were removed from the roads for drinking and driving offences, eight by traffic services and seven by general duty.
Detachment members also investigated and laid 28 criminal and provincial statute charges during the three months.
Melody Romeo, program manager for the North Thompson police-based Victim Assistance unit, reported that from October to December, 2016, she had a total of five new client referrals, for a total of 105 cases during the year, the sergeant said.
Detachment members continue to be involved in activities and events in the community, including curling, minor hockey and the annual Christmas dinner at the high school.
Mayor John Harwood commented that, if the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project goes ahead, trucks carrying long sections of pipe could become an issue on Highway 5, especially in the summer.
There also would be a social component to the project, with 600 – 700 workers employed for up to a year.
