COQUITLAM RCMP have launched the Inadmissible Patrons Program (IPP) in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam.
The IPP program will be run by the Coquitlam Gang Enforcement Team (CGET) in order to help prevent violent criminal activity in and around licensed establishments and to deter gang members from conducting criminal activities in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam. The public may see increased police presence at licenced establishments as CGET interacts with identified inadmissible patrons.
The public may be familiar with similar IPPs as this model was adopted from neighbouring jurisdictions, point out Coquitlam RCMP.
IPP objectives:
* Public Safety: To deter public violence caused by organized crime groups and their associates by making it known that they are unwelcome and will be removed from locations with an Inadmissible Patrons Policy.
* Patron Safety: To reduce the threat of collateral violence to restaurant patrons by deterring individuals whose activities or lifestyle pose a risk to public safety, from frequenting locations with an Inadmissible Patrons Policy.
* Staff Safety: To reduce the amount of interactions between restaurant/bar staff and individuals, whose activities and lifestyle pose a risk to public safety, and the associated intimidations, fear, leveraging and harassment such contact brings.
An Inadmissible Patron is defined as a person whose lifestyle, associations and/or activities pose a risk to public safety, either directly or from third parties. This includes individuals who are known to be associated to or involved in serious and or violent criminal activities.
The Coquitlam RCMP will determine if someone meets the criteria of an Inadmissible Patron. The Coquitlam RCMP will not maintain a list of Inadmissible Patrons.
Licenced bars and restaurants in Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam that choose to join the IPP will sign an Inadmissible Patron Agreement (IPA) that authorizes the Coquitlam RCMP to act on the establishment’s behalf to identify and remove Inadmissible Patrons from the premises. Under the BC Trespass Act, authorized persons can require a person’s name and address (Section 8(1)) and ask them to leave the premises (Section 4(3)). Inadmissible Patrons will not be arrested or charged, providing they leave the establishment when requested by a person in authority.
Participating establishments will clearly display the IPP signage in their window or another prominent location.
