When Delta police Const. John Smith took over the Ladner Community Police Station earlier this year, he did so with an eye to the past.
"I really wanted to come in here with a view to old time policing," he says.
So when the seven-year veteran of the department took over the office in Ladner Village in April, he traded in his patrol car for a pair of boots.
Smith conducts foot patrols around the community for several hours four days a week.
As he makes his way through Ladner's streets, he greets everyone he passes, stopping to chat for a minute or offer assistance when needed.
Smith, who worked as a deputy sheriff and a paramedic before making the leap into policing, says his aim is to "let people know we're here for them."
"Just get out there and be part of the community," he says.
Smith regularly checks in with businesses around Ladner as well as the seniors' centre. The officer says getting out and talking with people is a more proactive way of policing the community, adding a visible police presence on the street can help deter some criminals.
"I'm hoping my presence out there is going to be a deterrent," he says. "It's all down to that uniform presence."
Many local business people are pleased with the officer's tactics.
"We're very happy about it, extremely happy," says Chris Scurr of Ladner Cruise and Travel. "It's getting back to basic policing and community policing. Too many times, people feel that they don't have any access to police."
Smith is not looking for any accolades.
"I'm just a regular guy doing a job," he says.
The officer is, however, looking for more volunteers to help out at the Ladner CoPS office.
Delta introduced the CoPS program in Ladner and North Delta in 1992, while the Tsawwassen office was added two years later. A station constable and an army of volunteers staff each office.
The CoPS offices focus on crime prevention and awareness, and issues such as vandalism and minor theft, as well as providing access to police services.
The office offers a number of programs, including Community Crime Watch, Speed Watch, Block Watch, Home Vacation Checks and the Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program.
Smith says he is looking for volunteers to help with many of the programs as well as manning the office.
For more information about the Ladner CoPS office and volunteering, call 604-940-4411.
jkerr@delta-optimist.com
