Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Staff of Carlyle Detachment.
• As you may or may not be aware the Detachment does Meals On Wheels every December. Realistically who else can you guarantee will be around when you want them and don't want them? The Police. Recently and tragically one tray did not make it out of the parking lot of Moose Mountain Lodge. This was partially due to the clumsiness of the Member and partially due to the strap having worn out velcro. To the rescue came Tanya of "Sew and Sews" and we now have new straps which will undoubtedly assist in avoiding further mishaps. I am not saying it was me that dropped the tray, however, after the tray was dropped I went in to replace it, leaving Marie Russell in the patrol vehicle wondering where I went. She got out of the vehicle on a very cold day and observed the spilled soup and figured things out. Spilled soup, plus missing colleague, plus colleague who is a clutz . . . you get the picture, who says you need to be a Police Officer to solve mysteries?
• Arcola Fire Department and Carlyle RCMP were dispatched to a fire which, unfortunately resulted in the death of one individual. At this time we do not feel it was suspicious. We would like to give a big "Thank You" to the community of Arcola. The hard work of the Volunteer Fire Department should not go unnoticed with the firefighters having to return several times to deal with flare ups and to check on the Members who were doing scene security. In addition, it is always humbling when community members approach the Police and offer their homes for "breaks" and refreshments. It is important that we recognize this and it definitely makes what can be a hard uncomfortable duty much easier. We would also like to put a big thank you to Moosomin Detachment for lending a couple of Members as well as Carlyle and Weyburn Traffic Services for their assistance with this investigation as well.
• Would you be alarmed to find out we did not respond to any false alarms this past week? Don't be alarmed being we always seem to get false alarms.
• Cold weather used to mean a decrease in calls and if the cold snap lasted longer it would result in "Cabin Fever", which generally would result in increased calls for service. I believe this was because people could only handle each other for so long before they would get on each other’s nerves. It is my theory that with technology individuals can stay apart and don't have to fight over what is being watched or who will change the channel. Most households have two televisions, a computer and everyone seems to have a smart phone. Thus, if you want your own space you can generally find it. Therefore for the Police cold snaps do not always mean an increase in work. I sure don't miss standing out in the cold knocking on doors to get invited in to resolve a dispute.
• We truly care about the youth and children in our communities. For this reason we have taken the time and effort to train several Members as "Child Passenger Safety Technicians" Cst. Mike Pike is our Detachment expert and if you have concerns, or want to ensure you are transporting your children safely, we will assist in this endeavour. We will be announcing dates of clinics in the near future. If you have an immediate concern contact our office and we will set you up with an appointment with Cst. Pike.
• Members investigated allegations of an assault at an establishment that serves liquor. One individual allegedly threw a drink in another individual's face, called them a derogatory name and got slapped in return. The involved individuals do not want each other charged and our investigation has been concluded.
• A disagreement at a "party" resulted in another physical confrontation between co-workers. Our investigation is continuing.
• An individual went to a residence and attacked another individual. Unfortunately, in the process of assaulting the other individual, they were injured and had to seek medical treatment. Upon being released from the medical facility they were arrested and charged for assault and they were also charged for breaching their release conditions. They were subsequently released on further conditions.
• Members were called to a residence to deal with an intoxicated individual who was allegedly assaulted. Upon arrival the individual claimed they were assaulted, however, they were too intoxicated to co-operate. A family member took responsibility for their care and our investigation continues.
• A vehicle was vandalized and had its back window broken. If you have any information in relation to someone breaking the window of a vehicle or any other crime please contact the RCMP.
• We had a couple of collisions. In one incident a vehicle was struck when an individual failed to realize the vehicle in front had slowed to turn. Fortunately there were no injuries, however, the vehicle will never be driven again due to the extensive damage. The violator was charged for careless driving.
• Regina Police Service requested we interview a suspect in relation to an incident in their jurisdiction. The alleged offender denied any involvement. This subject was subsequently arrested the following night after stealing a vehicle that had been left running and unlocked. They were remanded for court in Estevan and while the wheeling and dealing between lawyers was occurring, Regina Police Service contacted our Detachment to advise they had just identified our suspect through a photo line up. Unfortunately for the accused, this negatively affected their ability to get released and therefore they remained in custody, yes, even though Christmas is coming they remained in custody. Unfortunately for this individual more charges are forthcoming.
• I know we have said it before, and we will say it again. Do not leave your vehicles running with the keys in the vehicle and the doors unlocked. Please lock your sheds, your garages and your homes. Criminals look for the easy theft. Don't make it easy for them.
• Members issued approximately 10 tickets and approximately 30 warnings over the past week.
• Members issued tickets for fail to produce drivers licence - $100, cell phone - $280, stop sign - $230, fail to wear seatbelt - $175, careless driving -$280 and the most expensive tickets were for $308 and $820. (ouch)
• Members issued warnings for careless driving, unregistered vehicle or trailer, fail to stop at a stop sign, inadequate speedometer, fail to produce registration, tail light fail to emit red light, inadequate headlamps, obstructed licence plate, inadequate licence plate light, and speeding.
• Members issued inspection notices for inadequate windshield, inadequate daytime running lights, install mud flaps and fenders, inadequate licence plate lights, and cover auxiliary light that is above headlights.
