Inspector Kevin Hewco is new on the job as head of the Penticton RCMP. Hewco is also the chief when it comes to supervision of all detachments in the South Okanagan Similkameen.

He spoke to the RDOS board this morning in his first visit with the politicians as a group.

1. Hewco says he  will follow the lead of his predecessor in targeting crime and prolific offenders. He says Penticton is a leader in identifying who is doing the crime and who should go through a program to get help…..not time behind bars.

Hewco says if you concentrate on the young offender and get them treated there will be less adult criminal on the street later.

2. Inspector Hewco is to be promoted soon to the position of Superintendent. He says he has ordered a new staffing resource study in light of the Okanagan Correctional Centre at Oliver. He says a new study will help politicians here deal with the provincial government and the RCMP HQ in getting provincial police officers.

3. Hewco says visibility is a key factor in respecting the community. Traffic, drug enforcement and youth engagement are a given but showing your face is the best policy. He says if there are problems it helps to have regional policing as he has access to all the resources, all officers, helicopters, special equipment and special teams.

4. Inspector Hewco talked to the issue that 3% of the population are responsible for 60 percent of what the RCMP does on a daily basis. He says the public by reporting what they see play an important role in helping police.