RCMP in Kamloops are launching a new program called the “Inadmissable Patron Program,” beginning on Saturday, which will enable to police to remove unwanted patrons from some establishments.
Cpl. Jodi Shelkie says the program allows them to remove “inadmissible patrons” from participating businesses.
“There’s going to be a sign posted near a business’s entrance that they’re part of this program. Upon our request, a patron must provide identification when they’re in that business. We do a check of the patron to see if they qualify as an inadmissible patrol, and then if they do then they have to leave that establishment.”
In a news release, Mounties say an inadmissible patron is “an individual who is wearing or displaying gang colours, support gear or insignia, and/or an individual whose lifestyle, associations and activities pose a risk to public safety.”
Shelkie says there is no risk of profiling people, as police can’t randomly choose people, saying they have to do the appropriate checks first.
“We go in, and we ask them to supply their ID and we do appropriate checks,” Shelkie added. “If they’re not wearting gang colours or anything that supports a gang, we have to do appropriate checks and see if they have a history of drug use, violence or firearms. and then we can make that determination.”
Shelkie says those checks can happen instantaneously, and at this point, almost 20 businesses have signed up in Kamloops.
The program will be run year-round.