Coquitlam RCMP complements public safety with rural policing

coquitlam.rcmp.ca

2023-11-09 08:32 PST

Coquitlam RCMP policing services extend into Village of Anmore, Village of Belcarra and beyond with the Rural Section.

Coquitlam RCMP proudly serves Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, Village of Anmore, Village of Belcarra and kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem) First Nation. For more than a decade, the Coquitlam RCMP Rural Section has extended policing services to many remote locations.

View larger image of Coquitlam RCMP truck parked outside of Sasamat Fire Hall

The Rural Section is responsible for Village of Anmore, Buntzen Lake, Buntzen Cove, Belcarra, Farrer Cove, Pitt River, Pitt Lake and Upper Pitt Lake (Coquitlam Area), Fraser River (Coquitlam Area) and Indian Arm. Policing Coquitlam RCMP’s rural jurisdiction includes unique communities and geographies, some of which are only accessible by boat.

The unique populations and expansive geographies are the biggest challenges faced by rural policing, said Corporal Neil Roemer, supervisor for the Rural Section with Coquitlam RCMP.

View larger image of Rural officer patrolling on police boat

Coquitlam RCMP’s Rural Section consists of three uniformed officers working ten-hour shifts suited for the needs of communities and seasonal influxes. The unit is responsible for the RCMP boat and fulfills the role of the Inland Water Transport (IWT) Coordinator as they perform marine duties. Rural officers ensure public safety by enforcing the Criminal Code to remote land locations in addition to Canadian territorial seas, islands and coastal communities.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, and this unit helps provide additional resources to remote and rural locations, said Inspector Chris Goebel, Officer in charge of Community Programs which oversees the Rural Section. Through land and marine policing, we are able to protect our communities and become stronger together.

The officers also act as the main liaisons to Coquitlam Search and Rescue (SAR) as most search and rescue calls for service occur in remote locations. Rural officers are also trained in using All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), which allow officers to access isolated regions within Coquitlam RCMP’s vast jurisdiction.

Released by

Coquitlam RCMP Media Relations

Email: coquitlam_media@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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