Vernon Calls For RCMP Change

Vernon council wants to get more notice from RCMP officials when the Mounties require more officers or funding.

One of the city’s resolutions to the Southern Interior Local Government Association conference in April in Revelstoke asks that the Union of BC Municipalities lobby the province’s solicitor general to require more consultation.

“The largest service budget item, by far, within the City of Vernon Financial Plan is consistently RCMP services,” writes Vernon’s chief administrative officer Will Pearce in a report to council. “”E” Division often makes unilateral decisions on changes to the means and cost of police service provisions which are not included in the city budget. These directives are typically received by the City through the Officer in Charge. There is little or no consultation. Budget impact is substantial.”

The city wants RCMP “E” Division to provide one year notice to  municipalities when there will be changes in service delivery with a budget impact of ten thousand dollars or more.