26 October 2010

Canadian Pacific Hires Police Officer in Golden

Golden British Columbia - Canadian Pacific has hired a CP police officer in Golden, with hopes to fill a second position in the next few months.
 
These police officers, who have the same authority as RCMP or other police departments, are hired to carry out community outreach programs and monitor CP property.
 
Anyone found on CP property may be charged with trespassing under the Railway Safety Act. Previously Golden CP property has been monitored by a regional officer, most recently in Revelstoke.
 
CP's regional media contact, Kevin Hrysak, explained that the deployment of a Golden CP officer is a "strategic initiative to increase public safety."
 
According to their website, CP has their own police force to protect their customers' shipments and ensure the security of their employees, the public, and company property.
 
The CP Police's Community Services Unit is the front line connection with communities along the CP network with officers working closely with municipalities, schools, and other police forces to promote railway safety and security.
 
They develop and implement local crime prevention initiatives and education programs about highway crossings and trespassing.
 
The website also explains that it is illegal and extremely dangerous to walk, drive, cycle, or snowmobile (and in Golden's case, ski) on or alongside the railway line.
 
Trains move quickly and quietly. At 10,000 tonnes or more, it can take a freight train up to a mile to stop in an emergency.
 
Golden Mayor Christina Benty says she recognizes the need to have CP police in our community.
 
"The staff at CP see a fair number of trespassers along the tracks," said Benty. "This is a safety issue for residents. Trains don't stop easily and their whistles have to be blown when employees see anything on the tracks, which causes a disturbance for residents near by."
 
Hrysak explained that although trespassing is the most common reason people get ticketed, undue care and attention tickets surrounding crossing incidents are issued too.
 
All money collected from these tickets is given to the local municipality, not CP.
 
Since the CP police force does have the same authority as RCMP, violations can appear on your permanent record through the Railway Safety Act.
 
Nadine Sander-Green.