UBC RCMP is sending out a confusing message about its plans this summer to patrol Wreck Beach, Canada most-famous nudist area.
The detachment announced Monday that it will set up a tent every afternoon, beginning this weekend until Labour Day, with a couple of officers to “enhance” its presence on the beach. But that seems like overkill, since the force also noted it was only called out to the beach, on average, three times a week summer. The beach doesn’t exactly sound like a hotbed of crime. Why is it receiving this special attention?
In the same announcement, the Mounties also suggested they will turn a blind eye to beach goers who, as is routine on that beach, quietly drink alcohol or smoke marijuana. “If it gets to the point where you’re risking yourself or putting others at risk, we will move in,” said Sgt. Drew Grainger.
But what are police paid to do if it is not to uphold the law? Is it now OK to drink or smoke weed on Wreck Beach, although wrong everywhere else? If police are heading think they need to be there so much, why aren’t they enforcing the law?
The whole RCMP tent is a poor use of resources. Wreck Beach is a little slice of counter-culture escapism from the rest of the authoritarian world. Putting a bunch of cops down there will ruin the mood.
Like everywhere else, the police shouldn’t be hovering around Wreck Beach unless their assistance is requested.
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