‘Panhandling’ cops nab distracted drivers in B.C.

In Chilliwack, B.C., RCMP officers ditched the uniform and played the part of panhandlers in an effort to nab distracted drivers.

Earlier this month, RCMP Const. Bryan Martell took a position at an intersection in Chilliwack, dressed convincingly in a hooded jacket, sporting some facial hair, and holding a carefully written “gotcha” sign.

Unsuspecting drivers expecting to be solicited for change instead got a rude awakening:
“Hello, my name is Constable Martell. If you’re on your cellphone right now, you are about to get a ticket,” the sign read.

If the Mountie spotted a distracted driver, he’d radio a uniformed officer up ahead, who would then issue a ticket.

The unusual crackdown netted 21 tickets in one day, the Chilliwack Times reported.