The RCMP are trying something new in the South Okanagan and Similkameen.
Taken from the popular crowdfunding principle of a lot of small things can lead to big results, the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Detachment is spearheading the first annual Crowd Forum on Public Safety.
The regional detachment is offering a series of crowd forums on public safety leading up to the annual public safety forum in March 2019. The crowd forums are meant to engage all aspects of the public with an opportunity to set priorities related to crime prevention and personal safety.
Leading up the main event in March, officers will be available to present mini-forums at local businesses and organizations throughout the South Okanagan. Local organizations are encouraged to reach out to the detachment to request an officer attend their establishment and present and field questions on topics that are of concern to them.
The initiative is for any schools, businesses, neighbourhood groups, senior homes and other community organizations looking for an officer to present on safety and security topics which are unique to them.
The most common concerns identified by officers attending these mini-forums will be presented more in-depth at the main forum scheduled for March.
Businesses or organizations throughout the South Okanagan wishing to have an officer present at their location can Email their request to penticton.general.enquiries@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. Additionally, individual questions or concerns may also be emailed in.
“In the coming weeks, officers will be increasing their presence in the downtown core, and as part of this initiative, will be canvassing businesses interested in having their own mini-forums,” said Const. James Grandy.
