Vol. 80, No. 3
Eyes on the road Why speed, smartphones and sobriety are on every officer's radar
Table of contents
Editorial message
Sign of the times
In this issue on road safety, we look at the pervasive problem of alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers, distracted motorists and speeders, and what tools and techniques police use to stop them.
News notes
Units target rural crime
The RCMP in Alberta has created four regional teams to tackle the growing problem of rural crime.
Mapping software helps locate lost hiker
When Cpl. Mike Wilson responded to a call for a lost hiker in rural Nova Scotia, he logged in to a little-known mapping tool called Pictometry.
Videos support victims of violence in Whitehorse
A new video series is raising awareness about the supports available to victims of violence in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Seniors get safety savvy
In an attempt to fight back against victimization of seniors in a small seaside city in British Columbia, White Rock RCMP has partnered with the community to offer a Savvy Seniors workshop.
Cover stories
Bad drivers beware
There's a specialized team of police officers in British Columbia who dedicate themselves to catching prohibited drivers, including those with alcohol and drug violations or repeat unlicensed driving offences.
On the move
According to the RCMP, which is responsible for policing the Lower Mainland city of more than 500,000, about 40 per cent of traffic deaths in the municipality last year were pedestrians.
Making things better
The RCMP in British Columbia have an established mobile road-safety unit that has worked for years to get impaired drivers off the road. This year, the RCMP in Alberta are launching a similar program.
Don't drive high
The RCMP is spearheading new changes to police officer training to keep more drug-impaired drivers off Canada's roads.
Slow down, move over
Catching speeders is a standard part of the job for a traffic cop. But for RCMP Sgt. Mark Hume, it could have cost him his life.
Back-road presence
As she drives down the back roads of rural Manitoba, Cst. Luanne Gibb takes note of the number of beer cans and bottles scattered along the side of the road.
Spotting speeders and smartphones
Spend a few days on the highways of British Columbia's Lower Mainland and you'll quickly learn a few things: they're always busy, often jammed and home base for a specialized team of traffic enforcement officers.
Two-wheeled watchers
RCMP Insp. Dale Somerville says motorcycles give police the ability to manoeuvre through tight spaces and get up close to identify distracted drivers.
Panel discussion
What best keeps riders safe on trails and waterways?
When it comes to safety, most Canadians know what they should be doing behind the wheel of a car: wearing a seatbelt, driving sober and keeping their eyes on the road. But riders don't always apply those same sensible rules to recreational vehicles.
Q & A
'My opportunity to give back to my organization'
Commissioner Brenda Lucki sits down with Gazette editor Katherine Aldred to talk about her vision for the organization and what she considers her best role yet.
Adapt your driving
Sgt. André Pepin is trained as a collision reconstructionist to investigate car accidents, a radar technician to catch speeders, and is a certified breath technician to identify alcohol-impaired drivers.
Ask an expert
Looking for leads
RCMP Cpl. Kerry Shima investigates cold-case murders in Alberta. The job involves traditional legwork, but this year Shima turned to social media to leverage more information about hard-to-solve crimes.
Just the facts
Gangs
The federal government says gang violence is a serious threat to the safety of Canadian communities. That's because while crime rates in Canada have declined, gang activity increased.
Detachment profile
Côte-Nord detachment
The RCMP's Côte-Nord detachment may be small, but the officers who work there crack down on big crime — including drug importation, terrorism, organized crime and border security.
Emerging trends
Bringing a different perspective
The face of Canada — and the RCMP — is changing.
New technology
Meticulous measurements
In the blink of an eye, fatal traffic accidents tragically end a life and kick start the work of highly trained police officers who seek to explain what happened.
Last page
K9 comfort
Four legs, wagging tails and wet noses. The new volunteers at the Kelowna RCMP detachment are less than conventional, but they're helping employees cope with stress and improve their health.
NOTE: An electronic version of this issue of Gazette magazine is available.
Masthead
- Publisher:
- Kevin Fowler
- Editor:
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- Katherine Aldred
- Writers:
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- Paul Northcott
Amelia Thatcher
Patricia Vasylchuk
- Paul Northcott
- Web publisher:
- Richard Vieira
- Graphic design:
- Jennifer Wale
- Translation:
- RCMP Translation Services
- Printing:
- St. Joseph Communications
- Date modified: