Police UTV draws stares

Penticton police chief says utility terrain vehicle is equipped like any police car but offers easier access to some areas

Amilitary-style vehicle driven by the police chief drew a lot of second glances in Penticton’s downtown on Friday. RCMP Supt. Ted De Jager said the utility terrain vehicle was actually rolled out last summer and that it was used by police on the beaches, the Kettle Valley Railway trail and the Channel Parkway.

“On Friday, I was going to visit some people downtown, and sometimes we take the UTV out instead of a police car,” De Jager said. “It’s a little easier to get to places and it is kind of unique.”

The UTV cost around $17,000. There is a second one in Osoyoos, often used to patrol the extensive bush area near the Canada/U.S. border. Additionally, Penticton RCMP own two smaller all-terrain vehicles.

“This is part of our enhanced patrols,” De Jager said. “It allows us to get to other areas that we can’t get to on foot and it’s been very effective. We’ve also used it for emergency callouts in Summerland and the Penticton Indian Band.

“It’s equipped like any other police car with a police radio, a rack for our firearms and a first-aid kit. Basically, what you see in a police car is the same with the UTV.”

The RCMP in Kelowna own several UTVs, De Jager said. Many bystanders were surprised to see the UTV out Friday. Some took pictures of the machine, which later parked in Nanaimo Square.

“It’s part of our engagement strategy with the community, and the UTV certainly appeals to the youth,” De Jager said.

Special to The Okanagan Weekend RCMP Supt. Ted De Jager was spotted driving a utility terrain vehicle Friday in downtown Penticton. He said it was part of the RCMP’s “engagement strategy with the community.”