Fair to say, when you’ve worked in an RCMP detachment for more than six years, you see a lot of action in the office and out in the field.
That’s what Sgt. Chad Chamberlain summarized after he and his colleagues were recognized by Prince George Crime Stoppers after a record-breaking year of tips from the public in 2019.
“We're 100 per cent intelligence driven,” said Chamberlain in an interview with PrinceGeorgeMatters. His Street Crew Unit team was honoured as Watch of the Year, while Cst. Kevin Reid was awarded Officer of the Year.
“Obviously, we rely on a lot of information from the public through various means, but Crime Stoppers is a big important part of that. It’s nice to be recognized and it’s nice to see the recognition of the program.”
Total numbers for last year are as follows:
- Tips received: 750
- Arrests made: 14
- Number of awards approved: 11
- Value of awards approved: $2,490
- Value of seized property and drugs recovered: $1,857,361
Drug seizure amounts totaled $1,827,361, while $545,657 in cash was recovered.
Sgt. Chamberlain, a six-and-a-half-year veteran of the local detachment, believes the public has done a great service to the community by helping his team get their suspects.
“We operate most often in a covert capacity and so, a lot of or work is done behind the scenes until it comes to fruition in take-down time. It’s nice to have that distance and amenity at the same time.”
The 44-year-old says is grateful to work in Prince George and to lead the Street Crew Unit, and takes pride in what his career can provide for him short- and long-term.
“Not only just within the City of Prince George, but the Mounties offer an opportunity to see the world, see the country, and if you want to do that, you’re more than welcome to,” he said.
“Day-to-day here, you never know what’s going to happen; we’re very busy here, and there’s a good variety of work here in Prince George. From a policing perspective, it’s a great place to be.”
Prince George RCMP Superintendent Shaun Wright talked about this month’s Crime Stoppers’ theme of partnerships, that is working together with the public in ensuring safety for everyone.
“The essence is partnerships, it's the partnership with the public; you know, we get paid to do our job and I think we do a fantastic job, in particular, these individuals,” said Wright, who noted the Street Crew Unit specializes in drugs, weapons and cash seizures.
“However, it takes a lot of courage when you know about a crime to step forward and reach out, especially when it’s someone you know perhaps who’s responsible, so I just really want to to give credit to everyone who’s participated in the Crime Stoppers program.”
Prince George residents are encouraged to continue to utilize Crime Stoppers as the non-profit has many outlets to submit an anonymous tip.
This includes calling 1-800-222-8477, texting ‘TIP’ to ‘CRIMES’ (274637) or going online to www.pgcrimestoppers.bc.ca.
- with files from Jess Fedigan, PrinceGeorgeMatters
