The Barriere detachment of the RCMP covers more than just Barriere. It also covers the communities of Vinsulla, McLure, Louis Creek, Simpcw First Nation, Darfield, Squam Bay, Brennan Creek, Knouff Lake, East Barriere Lake, North Barriere Lake, Little Fort south rural area and Blucher Hall.
Likewise, the Clearwater detachment also covers the communities of Little Fort, Blackpool, Wells Grey Park, Birch Island, Vavenby, Avola and Blue River.
So ... between the two detachments, they pretty much cover the entire North Thompson Valley.
Both detachments have recently acquired some new faces. In Clearwater, Corporal Even Schenkeveld has joined the community, moving to Clearwater with his family. He has been in the RCMP for 10 years, most recently spending some time in the North Okanagan Traffic division in Vernon, and general duty in Clinton. When asked how he likes it here in the valley, his reply was, “It’s been great... I really like small towns”.
In Barriere, Constable Jennifer Szezepaniak has been working in the community since November of 2015. (We were unable to contact her prior to publication.)
The members of both the RCMP detachments work hard in the community, not just investigating crimes, keeping the peace, and writing tickets, but also by involve themselves in other ways. In Barriere, for the last several years they have been involved with the 911 Golf Tournament and the Barriere Bike Rodeo. In both communities they visit the schools to talk to the students on a variety of subjects, they take part in parades, and communicate with various groups and organizations.
In Barriere, one such group is the Community Consultative Group (CCG), which is an informal appointed body, drawn from all facets of the community. It provides a sounding board between the Barriere detachment and its community. For over 20 years, this group has provided area citizens with a place to voice their concerns about what is happening in the area. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings, not just residents of Barriere, but also those of the entire area that the Barriere Detachment covers.
For more information about this group, contact them through the Barriere detachment at 250-672-9918.
The Barriere Crime Stoppers group received its charter in Dec. of 1997 and will be celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary next year. This group raises funds to offer rewards to those who provide tips leading to arrests and convictions relating to local crime. They also work to raise community awareness of crime prevention issues.
They meet every other month on the third Tuesday of the month, usually at the North Thompson Volunteer and Information Centre. For more information about this group, contact Monica Ireland at 250-672-2477.