Calling the police to report your neighbours for dubious public health violations during the COVID-19 pandemic “may not be the best use of your time and energy,” according to Coquitlam RCMP.
Cpl. Michael McLaughlin says the detachment routinely receives complaints about everything from people jogging in the park to residents being out in public without a mask.
While genuine cases are more appropriately handled by municipal bylaw enforcement, he said some of the reports are not actually violations.
“The easiest thing to control is your own behaviour,” McLaughlin said, later adding: “We are all human and sometimes have over-emotional reactions to things that we observe. But that doesn’t mean we should follow up by immediately calling the authorities or posting to social media. Pause, take a breath and try to be objective and empathetic.”
Anyone who believes they have witnessed physical distancing transgressions should call their municipal bylaw officials so they can follow up, he said.
McLaughlin also noted that police have been making proactive patrols on foot, bicycle, ATV and motorcycle in an effort to remind people to adhere to the provincial health orders.
“One of our goals is to remind people of appropriate social distancing protocols during COVID-19, but we are not seeing serious issues so far,” he said.
In Port Coquitlam, 62 complaints have been made about businesses either allowing too many people in stores or selling masks and gloves at inflated prices.
Another 65 calls were made concerning people using playgrounds, dog parks and other outdoor amenities while closures were in place.
In Port Moody, bylaw officers have dealt with 75 reports of neighbours not wearing masks in public or adhering to physical distancing protocols.
