Skidmark - A Brief Biography

[skidmark]

As of my last day of work, September 6, 2005, I have completed 24 years of service with the RCMP.

Of that, I spent the usual 6 months of basic recruit training at Depot in Regina, 4 years on General Duties in Fort St. John, B.C. and the balance of my service in traffic enforcement in Fort St. John, the South Okanagan and now on Central Vancouver Island.

Some of my traffic specific training includes:

- radar/laser operation, laser instructor
- breath testing technician
- approved screening device operation/calibration/trainer
- Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance level II/III inspector
- collision analysis
= speed from skid, yaw, flip, vault, fall
= determination of seatbelt use
= lamp status at time of collision
= tire failure analysis
= pedestrian collision speed analysis
= heavy truck tip over speed calculations
= basic surveying
= airbag control module data recovery

(I "retired" from technical collision investigation in July 2004 after 10 years of practice.)

As well as participating in this forum I write:

- Behind the Wheel, a weekly newspaper column.
- The Bear's View in Pro-Trucker magazine
- Assisted R.W. Rivers in a publication on collision photography

I teach driving related seminars at Elder College

I am also the webmaster for www.DriveSmartBC.ca.

I still try to keep up to changes in traffic policing and traffic law.

Hopefully, I am qualified to answer most of your questions

[KJRogers]

with all that i certainly hope you are qualified...

[Parnelli_001]

did you ever end up using/needing the speed estimation course? the one without the radar :p , how much do you hate calibrating ASD's and how long was your collision analysis course?

[muddhunter]

I always wondered if that was you that wrote "The Bear's View"
I read it every month, good work,

[skidmark]

The ASD's are easy to calibrate nowadays. The old Alcometers could be a pain, but the Alcolmeters are simple and quick. Every two weeks is not that big a pain.

There is no speed estimation course. Practice is all it takes for anyone.

Collision analysis level III was 3 weeks of morning, noon, nights and weekends. Probably the busiest course I have ever been on.

Thanks for the comment on the Bear's View. Topics to write about would be gladly accepted!

[burnt03]

I'm sure it's been said before, but I'd just like to thank you for taking the time to post on there for everyone. It's much appreciated.

[skidmark]

You're welcome. It teaches me things too.

[Lone Ranger]

I'm another trucker who reads your colum in Pro-truck (albeit, I haven't been able to keep up on them lately, time to subscribe again). I really enjoy it, and the info displayed. Thankyou.

[HiThere]

Dear Officer (Skidmark):

Would it be possible to start a topic where wannabe cops would ask you questions about RCMP and what it means to be a mountie? It would be much appreciated!

[TJeeper]

Originally posted by HiThere
Dear Officer (Skidmark):

Would it be possible to start a topic where wannabe cops would ask you questions about RCMP and what it means to be a mountie? It would be much appreciated!

Go here: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/recruiting/index_e.htm
It's a slow process, up to 1-1/2 years in BC to get from application to Depot. Basically hurry up and wait!

[HiThere]

for the link. I am rather familiar with the RCMP application process. What I am looking for is something mundane, the everyday life of a cop. I have some information on the subject from various sources, but it never hurts to ask more questions when considering a career

[TJeeper]

If you get 60+ plus hours of community volunteer time you can get a ride-a-long with the Coquitlam RCMP. That's probably the best insight to their daily activities. I don't know what the rules are at other detachments. Usually the recruiters like seeing applicants with some crime prevention or community volunteering under their belt.

[skidmark]

You can ask the question here in this forum if you wish. I don't mind, just start a new thread for it.

Remember that I am good at traffic questions having spent 18 1/2 out of 23 years on traffic, and might not be as good at answering for the other duties available.