Editor:
Re: “Coast police lacking in manpower,” Coast Reporter, March 4.
I certainly am all for having an adequate police force on the Sunshine Coast and appreciate the work and enforcement by our officers. However, I recall a number of years ago this issue came up and there was an increase to the local force. It seemed that for the next several years there were police around every corner waiting to give speeding tickets. I don’t endorse speeding or other motor vehicle violations, but I think most citizens would agree that the Sunshine Coast has a reputation of slow drivers.
I am curious to know what the ratio is of tickets being given out per capita. When we drive off the ferry to Vancouver, everyone there is speeding at least 15-20 km over the limit. And yet the chances of getting a ticket at those speeds are almost nil.
But on the Sunshine Coast I know from experience, and from many, many other people, including seniors, who have never had a ticket in their life, that the police here are ready to give out tickets to anyone and everyone well beyond the norm.
Staff Sgt. Vishal Mathura was quoted in the article as saying that the “Sunshine Coast … continues to boast the lowest crime rate in the Lower Mainland district.” That’s a terrific reputation to have, I’m sure in part by our hard-working officers. But I am concerned that an increase in officers will just result in even more unnecessary road violation tickets being handed out, rather than reducing crime.
Shane Nason, Sechelt
