All-terrain vehicles (ATV) have been added to the Kelowna RCMP’s arsenal.
The detachment announced today that it will attempt to address the community’s concerns on and around the Okanagan Rail Trail (ORT) by augmenting patrols with ATVs.
It won’t be just criminal activity that will be the focus of these patrols, as officers will also be watching for fire risk and environmental damage caused by those camping illegally or in non-designated areas.
“Highly maneuverable and able to traverse some of the roughest terrain, ATVs obviously give us the versatility to get into those areas quickly and conduct the necessary enforcement," explained Sgt. Scott Powrie.
The addition of ATVs will come with an increased presence on the ORT, led by “trained officers” on the Community Safety Unit (CSU).
The four-wheelers will allow officers to cover more areas on and around the ORT that are difficult to access by traditional police vehicles, the RCMP notes.
“ATVs are cost-effective and can be used in a variety of settings, from assisting search and rescue to proactive patrol operations,” Powrie added.
“Our officers are provided specialized ATV training giving them the skills and riding techniques necessary for law enforcement and any other tasks asked of us.”
The RCMP says residents can expect to see CSU officers patrolling in vehicles, on foot, on bikes and now on ATVs throughout the busy summer months.
Along with the ORT, CSU officers will be devoting a lot of their focus to patrols in the downtown core, Rutland, and city parks and beaches.
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