VICTORIA, BC, Aug. 15,
2024 /CNW/ - As the 2024 British Columbia
provincial election approaches, the National Police Federation is
proud to launch the new "Our BC RCMP" campaign. This campaign
highlights the essential work of RCMP Members and emphasizes the
urgent need for a comprehensive public safety plan to address the
province's growing population and increasing public safety
concerns.
For years, RCMP Members have been asked to do more with less.
Through our campaign, we call on the provincial government to
deliver a clear, transparent, and effective public safety plan.
Such a plan should ensure sustainable investments in resources for
the B.C. RCMP, address the root causes of crime, implement smart
data-driven bail reform solutions, and provide robust supports for
social services in B.C. communities.
In 2022, after years of underfunding by successive provincial
governments, the current government committed $230 million to fund previously unfunded and
vacant RCMP positions. The funding was a positive step forward, and
the RCMP is on track to fill all these 256 vacancies ahead of
schedule. However, this funding will only return the B.C. RCMP to
its 2012 staffing levels, when BC's population has increased
by 22% in that same timeframe.
A well-resourced B.C. RCMP means more officers available to
respond to various crises: from thefts and assaults to drug
toxicity and emergencies like wildfires, floods, and major events.
Currently, our Members are required to work within 2012 staffing
levels that do not reflect B.C.'s rising population due to
insufficient government funding. British Columbians deserve a
public safety plan that addresses the scale of today's challenges
while planning for the future.
We urge the provincial government to commit $250 million over the next four years to recruit
300 new RCMP officers and enhance capital assets – like air,
marine, and vehicle fleets, officer equipment, housing, and
building — to effectively tackle new and emerging crime trends.
"We are proud to see that RCMP recruitment is strong nationwide
with over 17,500 applicants last fiscal year, and many Members
eager to return or begin their careers in British Columbia," said NPF President and CEO
Brian Sauvé. "The Experienced Police
Officer program has also taken off, with members of various
municipal forces joining and looking to join the B.C. RCMP."
"As these officers join their colleagues in B.C., it's crucial
that government funding keeps pace. The RCMP has demonstrated its
commitment to delivering high-quality policing services; now we
need a plan from the government to support these efforts."
Investing in our police officers means investing in the
livability, wellbeing, and economic health of our communities. A
safer environment allows businesses and vendors to thrive,
contributing to a stronger local and provincial economy.
Safe communities are healthy communities. With election season
upon us, we look forward to working collaboratively with any new
B.C. government to ensure public safety and RCMP resourcing remain
a top priority.
About the National Police Federation:
The National Police Federation (NPF) represents ~20,000 RCMP
Members serving across Canada and
internationally. We are the largest police union in Canada. The NPF is focused on improving public
safety for all Canadians, including our Members by advocating for
much-needed investment in the public safety continuum. This
includes investments in police resourcing and modern equipment, as
well as social programs including health, addiction, and housing
supports to enhance safety and livability in the many communities
we serve, large and small, across Canada.
For more information about Our BC RCMP, please visit:
https://ourbcrcmp.ca
SOURCE National Police Federation