When you need info...talk to the experts.

Last week I had coffee with members of the RCMP from the Duncan Detachment. They were generous with their time and information. Everything from police procedure, details ranging from their uniforms to the training they take, and items carried in their vehicles. Most specifically, Sergeant Colin Douglas, what follows is a snippet of our conversation.

Me: I must caution you, anything you say can, and may be taken down and used to entertain readers in a cozy mystery, most specifically the Musgrave Landing Mystery series.

Sgt. CD: Well, that’s something I’ve never heard before, he grinned.

Me: I’m an author and I write cozy mysteries located in and around the Gulf Islands. I hoped I could ask you some questions about your job and how things are done. I’m an analyst by trade and want to get the details right in my mystery novels.

Sgt. CD: Sounds good, what can I help with?

Me: How about we start with your uniform.

Sgt. CD: Sure, light grey shirt, navy trousers, with a yellow strip. The strip is reflective and unique to the RCMP. We all are issued the soft tactical vests and carry heavy duty ones in our vehicles which can stop heavier rounds. We wear service boots and we are issued socks, but nobody likes them.

Me: What’s the newest training you've received?

Sgt. CD: We are all rotating through C8 training. We carry shotguns but as events in the past couple years have shown, there is a need to be better armed. Training with the C8 rifles takes place in Nanaimo, at the range where we regularly practise with our Smith and Wesson side arms.

We talked for almost an hour and traded stories of different experiences. He asked about my writing and I gave him some snippets of Death and Cupcakes as well as Fun with Funerals. We spoke about details with regard to procedure and he corrected my assumptions on a couple of points, which was exactly what I wanted.

Later two female officers, whom, I’m sorry to say in my excitement at the vehicle tour, I did not get their names. They explained everything to me with regard to the camera on the dash that also films the back seat of the SUV. The duty bag they carry, and what’s in it, besides latex gloves and the nasal spray to cancel out heroin overdoses.

Since then, I have more questions so next time there is Coffee with a Cop I’ll have to go back again.

We are so lucky to have good people who will take on the heavy burden of keeping us safe, thank you.

PHOTO: Me and the Staff Sergeant, Sgt. Douglas' boss, at The Fish Bowl Cafe in Duncan, BC.