The B.C. Government has been quick to tell people to avoid travel to the United States, but today the government announced that it is partnering with Washington State in a new initiative that’ll help deal with cross-border crime.
According to the B.C. Ministry of Public Safety, an annual forum was held in Esquimalt on Sept. 1, called the Pacific Region Cross-Border Law Enforcement Forum. The forum included a collection of senior law-enforcement officials and experts to share information and best practices.
B.C. Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger said, “Crime doesn’t respect borders.”
Krieger said that by working with Washington State law enforcement officials, the region could crack down on offenders “more effectively.”
Krieger implied that enforcement around the drug crisis would be part of the new partnership.
“British Columbia’s longstanding partnership with Washington State remains strong. Our cross-border co-ordination and co-operation is helping to tackle tough challenges, such as organized crime, extortion and the illicit drug trade that harm people and businesses in B.C. communities,” she added.
A release from the ministry also stated that information was shared around lessons that were learned in public safety work in Vancouver and Seattle relating to the FIFA World Cup.
“Every single day of the year, Washington and B.C. law-enforcement professionals work together for the safety of those we serve,” said John R. Batiste, chief, Washington State Patrol, in a release.
“Crime knows no border, and the Washington State Patrol knows no better friends than our colleagues to the north. These gatherings allow us to be better prepared for the ever-changing challenges we face together.”
Extortion-related crime has been a big story in B.C. over the past couple of years, and the ministry said that cross-border co-operation has helped weaken extortion networks.
In its news release, B.C. also announced a new pilot project relating to the toxic-drug crisis.
The pilot is called Track and Trace, and the ministry says it helps police and scientists use “new digital technology and lab robotics to analyze and track the flow of toxic drugs.”
“The approach can also save lives by helping create early-warning systems to alert people of increased danger of illicit drugs in their area,” the ministry added.
John Brewer, the assistant commissioner and acting commanding officer for the BC RCMP, said, “Focusing on the strength of our partnership is essential in keeping our communities across borders safe and secure. By working closely with the Washington State Patrol and other agencies to share intelligence and co-ordinate enforcement efforts, we aim to disrupt criminal activity wherever it occurs.”
One notable case of cross-border law enforcement was last year when some border runners were caught in Abbotsford.
Border travel between Washington and B.C. plummets
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While criminals might be operating between the U.S. and B.C. border, many B.C. residents have cut off travel to Washington and the States entirely.
That reality has been a big problem for the tourism sector and the economy of Washington State, and cities like Bellingham.
Bellingham released a “damaging” report on the impacts of the drop in cross-border travel from Canadians, which includes B.C.
The drop in traffic to the States was sparked by geopolitical tensions between Canada and the United States, including sentiments shared by Donald Trump about making Canada the 51st State.
Food and beverage came out on top, as 91 per cent of respondents said that the decline in the industry has been damaging. An additional 64 per cent say they’re concerned about survival.
Retail is the second-most impacted, with 85 per cent saying the decline in visitors is damaging, and 60 per cent concerned about survival.
Across all sectors and results, an overwhelming majority agreed that Canadian visitors benefit their business. 63 per cent strongly agreed that Canadian visitors benefit their business, and 57 per cent strongly agreed that the drop in visitors was damaging.