What is the longest case you’ve worked on?
Almost three years
How do you deal with more than one case at a time?
I multi-task and prioritize based on timelines and available evidence
Do you work with a partner?
No, I’m the boss
What was the most significant case you’ve worked?
The investigation of the Chief of Police.
How realistic are the detectives and police officers on TV?
Not very realistic, cases take a long time and can’t be solved that quickly. There is rarely a chase or shoot out to capture the bad guy.
Are the scientific techniques on TV similar to the real thing?
The techniques are similar but not as easy as they look on TV
Do you feel pity for the victims of your cases? Have you ever not felt pity? Do you have some examples?
Yes, I do. Most of the people I interact with are suffering from drug addiction or other illnesses, both physical and mental.
Sometimes the Victims we deal with were actually hurting someone else but then the Victim fought back. In those cases it is difficulty to have sympathy.
Have you ever felt pity for any of the perpetrators? Do you have some examples?
I do for the ones who are homeless or starving. They usually steal things to survive.
Why do you think being a detective is important?
It takes a lot of dedication to investigate a case. There are many challenges with victims and witnesses and a detective has to have patience and build trust to get people to tell them the truth about what actually happened. Many victims can’t stand up for themselves so the police are the ones that stand up for them and help them when they are in trouble.
What is the best part of your job?
Helping people.
What is the hardest/ worst part of your job?
Seeing the terrible things people do to each other and the death of children
Officer Pascal Richard of the RCMP Domestic Violence Task Force
(in charge of investigations for 37 Detachments)
How much and how often do you work?
In this position, I work Monday to Friday (8:00-16:00hrs.) I have a Blackberry cell phone and I will take calls outside these hours on occasion.
When do you have time for things like hobbies and family?
After work hours, I try to dedicate most of my time to my family. But I try to do few things for myself. Once every three weeks, I go dirt biking with friends in Waiporous, AB, [and] twice a week, I go play hockey late at night with friends.
What kind of hobbies do you have?
I try to work out 2-3 times a week during my work hours. Our Airdrie RCMP Office has a great gym that I can use anytime I want. Outside of these hours I get home, help [my] kids (5 and 7) with their home work (lots of reading these days),
my wife with supper, play activities/sports such as Baseball, Hockey, board games and bicycling. I help [the kids by] giving them their baths and brushing their teeth, reading bed stories. I help do laundry and clean the house.