Iqaluit (July 21/03) - It's important to Const. Chris Coles that the police are seen as people, not just as unsmiling officers handing you a traffic ticket.

Const. Chris Coles is busy keeping the media informed. - Kathleen Lippa/NNSl photo

"We're often the bearer of bad news," said Coles who recently took over as the media contact with the Iqaluit RCMP.

In his new role, Coles will be the go-to guy for up-to-date information on break and enters, accidents, and other issues the media want information about.

"It's important the media know there's a number they can call and somebody will pick it up," he said. "There's no point in giving you information three hours after your deadline."

Coles has also taken his role a step further, composing a monthly community newsletter about police news, and doing public service announcements on the radio warning people about the dangers of drunk driving.

He calls what he does "V division's commitment to the media and to the community, to ensure that we supply information in a timely and accurate manner."

Coles, who emigrated to Canada from Scotland in 1992, has done this kind of work before. He was a full time media officer for three years at CFB Chilliwack.

Since coming to Nunavut in January, he's realized Canada is an extraordinarily diverse country -- "I love it here, I love the traditional aspect," he said.

He's also realized just why he became a police officer.

"Sometimes people don't realize how hard the police officers work in Nunavut," he said.

"That's why it's important to advise the public of things happening in their communities. It's a cliche, but most police officers really did join to help people. There is a lot of violent crime here. And where better to come to work hard and do what you wanted to do?"