Bridesville – secluded but…. in some ways a bit too intimate – with everyone knowing everyone and when there is a problem – emotions can reach the boiling point.

The Osoyoos RCMP organized a “town hall” meeting December 4th to explain a few things and try to re-assure a community that the police are in their corner.

Sgt. Kevin Schur and Cpl. Jason Bayda inside – another unnamed officer outside is the scene with about 40 people inside with complaints of lack of service and the fear their little hamlet has been taken over by an individual not to their liking.

No names being used. Two ladies said they had been sexually assaulted, one man said there had been an assault by vehicle, broken windows, unlicensed vehicles, near accidents and even worse.

One lady said “what are you going to do, there is a sexual predator on our main street.”

The police were there because in 2014 there have been 53 calls to Bridesville townsite – more than double the figure for the previous two years.

Sgt. Schur said this was not about 1 individual as a number of people have been talked to, arrested, but no charges laid.

One citizen stated it is time to use the telephone tree – that is phone everyone once something happens that needs attention. The police stated there has to be documentation and independent witnesses to get a conviction.

The RCMP states that their jurisdiction is Nighthawk Junction to the Rock Creek Bridge – Road 20 to the border and calls to Bridesville – some 25 minutes away are dealt with only on a priority basis.

One man complained that it took 16 hours for a response but was told officers had contacted the respondent and determined that the investigation of the incident could wait.

One officer could spend the whole day taking statements from as many people as possible to gather evidence – but in the end the community must determine what is the next step.

No picture can portray the anger that was present in the room and police hope that their efforts have served to inform and activate a community based response to the concerns.