Dear Editor:
In response to the Oct. 5 letter, The Community Is the Police, from my colleague, Coun. Doug MacKay-Dunn, I feel some clarity would benefit the community.
The RCMP has served our community well, albeit not flawlessly, and is effective in combating crime. The Mounties also represent a tremendous value from a financial standpoint. A 2009 study of police services on the North Shore noted that in 2006 the District of North Vancouver had a per capita police cost of $148 compared to West Vancouver's $229, while both communities enjoyed the lowest crime rates in the Lower Mainland.
On the issue of police conduct Coun. MacKay-Dunn failed to note that the Independent Investigations Office will now have oversight of the RCMP conduct in B.C. No longer will police be investigating police for serious conduct violations. The mandate needs further refinement, but the principle of civilian oversight has been established and is completely supported by senior RCMP officials in our community.
Where we agree oversight is lacking is in the area of finances. It is important to note that last year the federal government paid $182 million dollars of the RCMP police costs in B.C. If we opt for a provincial force we lose that contribution and will see an immediate 10 per cent increase in local policing costs. That said, the municipality must have the ability to audit local detachment operations and ensure resources are being allocated appropriately and costs are controlled. If the new contract does not provide this level of financial oversight to the municipality then the cost advantage we currently enjoy will likely quickly erode.
The final point I wish to challenge is the notion that a provincial police force will be more accountable locally than the RCMP. It will not. A provincial force will report to Victoria not the local mayor and council. In fact, even municipal forces in B.C. do not report to mayor and council, they report to a local police board that is appointed by Victoria.
It is my opinion that if we can achieve audit and cost controls within the new contract, in addition to the Independent Investigations Office oversight, then the RCMP remain the best option for our community.
Roger Bassam,
councillor, District of North Vancouver
