YVR not as safe anymore?
Received this letter from a reader, and it brings up more than a few points that are valid, and should be of concern for us Vancouverites. If not concerning, maybe we need to start asking questions, especially the ones that the reader brings forth.
I am quite certain that I am among the first people to inform you that the Federal Specialist Unit known as the Jetway Team is being pulled completely from duty at Vancouver International Aiport and being redistributed to report for work in Surrey, BC. This is a team of individuals that is highly trained in behaviourial skills and counter terrorism. Why, in this day and age, especially now, are we supposed to believe that this team or a Federal presence at all is no longer required at our airport? I am sure that a multitude of airports around the world, especially in North America, are trying to create or already have a team like this in place for the protection of their citizens and foreigners that pass through their airports. We have been so lucky and fortunate to have had this team and I am not comfortable with the fact that, as of May 9th, they will no longer be around.
My questions…
How does the YVR Airport Authority feel about this situation?
Will this team be replaced by another team?
If so, will they be highly trained in observing behaviour as well as counter terrorism?
If not, who will respond to emergencies at YVR? — The closest RCMP detachment is in Richmond, about a 7 minute drive from the airport. Do they honestly believe that no harm can be done in 7 minutes time?
Can we get the awareness of this situation out there further to the public so that we as citizens can make the decision over our airport’s safety?
I know that I can trust that one or all of you can look into this matter further. Hopefully, before we lose our only Federal presence at YVR International Airport. Thank you so much for your time and I want you to know that I appreciate the hard work you do for us Canadians locally in Vancouver and nationwide as well. If you need to contact me, please feel free to email me back; however, just to advise you in advance — I do not wish to have my name printed in any publication but am willing to assist you in any way that I can. I also do not have any more information than what I have already given you.
It seems as though we are being told (and charged for it too) that we need more and more security at out airports to make it safe for all travellers. This seems to go against the grain somehow!
Budz
The job the Jetway team does at YVR is invaluable. I have worked at YVR for over 40 years and I cannot believe in this day and age we would be reducing our policing and counter terrorist presence at a major Canadian airport. It seems like the safety and security of everyday Canadians and visitors to Canada takes a back seat to high profile occurences such as the G8 and G20 summits. Someone in Ottawa needs to have a hard look at this and start asking questions.
Law & Order, Tough on Crime and Public Safety? Every other word out of the Conservative’s mouth…bla bla.
When seconds count the Police are only minutes away…
The management have said that there still are people at the airport to do the job. What smoke and mirrors that is. From onsite undercover cops to uniform cops from Richmond. Better hope they have the same training, probably not because it takes a long time to develop expertise in such an area. Why has this been done real quiet like? They should be bolstering the contingent there, not depleting it. I think they are being disingenuous.