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Take back the 'Knife RCMP, bylaw officers flood city streets and trails following sexual assaults
Daniel Campbell
Northern News Services
Published Monday, August 5, 2013
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
For those stumbling down 50th Street after the bars closed, the recurring sentiment, following a wide-eyed double take, was "why are there so many cops?"
In the wake of two sexual assaults and an alleged third, all within 10 days, RCMP have stepped up efforts to find the offenders.
But the swarm of police in Yellowknife on Thursday night weren't responding directly to the sexual assaults. It's part of their "Take Back the Night" program, initiated by Insp. Frank Gallagher, Yellowknife RCMP detachment commander.
Gallagher will find a busy night - usually during a long-weekend - and he'll reschedule his police so they can patrol in greater numbers.
"We basically flood the city with police for a night so we can get a good handle of what's going on," Gallagher said. "We're sending a message."
The patrols involve members on foot, bikes, ATVs and patrol cars.
On Thursday night, RCMP Cpl. Jason Doucet and Cpl. Barry Ledoux peeled off to patrol the Frame Lake Trail on their quads. One of last week's victims was assaulted early Tuesday morning on the trail near Sombe K'e park.
Dozens of other officers took to the city streets on foot or in patrol cars.
The last time RCMP walked the streets in such numbers was during the May long-weekend.
It just so happens Thursday night's patrols took place two nights after two sexual assaults occurred in one day, with the suspect(s) still at large. Staff Sgt. Colin White says the timing of the patrols is convenient.
"It gives us the ability to get the word out and ask about the assaults," White said.
Last week, Yellowknife RCMP released a sketch of the suspect from the second sexual assault at Sisson's Court on Tuesday morning, asking for the public's assistance in finding the individual.
Cpl. Ledoux, Yellowknife RCMP spokesperson, said the police will be stepping up foot and bike patrols in high-risk areas.
Take Back the Night involved many members of the detachment who normally don't patrol regularly, including the detachment's boss, Insp. Gallagher. A self-described desk-jokey, Staff Sgt. White works an administrative job at the detachment, running the staffing desk. He relishes the opportunity to patrol in the city again.
"It gives guys like me, usually flyin' a desk, a chance to get out," White said.
It's nearing 11 p.m. and with two Municipal Enforcement Officers at his side, White strolls down 50th Street, stopping along the way to greet the street's many denizens.
"How are you doing tonight?" White asks, extending his arm to shake hands.
For those sitting outside the bars and across the streets, their wary looks toward the police are quickly replaced by smiles as White grins and engages them.
Nearing the corner of 50th Street and 51st Avenue, bylaw Const. Adam Mahaffy notices a man who resembles the sketch of the suspect from the sexual assault at Sisson's Court on Tuesday.
White doubles back and approaches the man, standing outside The Raven Pub. After a few minutes of questioning, White asks the man to accompany him back to the detachment, emphasizing that he's not under arrest.
The man agrees and after further questioning, White walks back downtown with him.
"He was very co-operative," White said. "We just needed to ask him some questions about the assault and since we had no reasonable grounds to arrest him, he had no obligation to come with me."
As the sun begins to set, the three officers head back to the RCMP detachment for a break to eat and refuel. Shortly after midnight, the officers are back on the street. This time, they're looking to set up check-stops for impaired drivers. On Range Lake Road in front of Sam's Monkey Tree they catch one, and tow two other vehicles for separate infractions.
Just before the bars on 50th Street close at 2 a.m., the police make their way back downtown. Crowds of revellers spill onto the streets. Some are shocked at the police presence.
One bar-goer approaches an RCMP officer before getting into a cab, and shakes his hand.
"Thanks for being out here tonight, guys," the man said.
Once the RCMP are satisfied the bar patrons are getting home safely, either in cabs or walking, the Take Back the Night patrols come to an end. It's nearing 2:30 a.m.
White explains the purpose of the patrols, emphasizing their job is the public's safety.
"We're not out to enforce tonight," he said. "We just want people to know we're here."
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