Council supports cops

Photo: Contributed

Vernon council has once again expressed its full confidence in the North Okanagan RCMP detachment and the services provided following a media report that suggested understaffing was putting officers at risk.

“Our council fully supports the RCMP detachment in Vernon in regard to service they provide for our residents and their commitment to public safety,” said Mayor Akbal Mund. “We have complete confidence in their ability to mobilize resources throughout the North Okanagan as required.”

According to a City of Vernon press release, the media report contained inaccuracies regarding staffing levels and caseloads.

Mund expressed concern that misinformation could lead residents to believe the safety of the community and the officers were at risk.

“Superintendent Jim McNamara and Inspector Gord Stewart have always been communicative to council and we appreciate their transparency,” said Mund. “Under the leadership of Supt. McNamara, the members have demonstrated their capacity to adapt to shifting demands in policing and to continue to provide optimal levels of public safety.”

The city budgets 50 funded officer positions but officer strength at the detachment can vary from 48-56 positions, said the release.

As well, RCMP watch commands can call for additional resources to address demands for service, it stated.

Mund pointed to a number of recent and successful, high profile cases handled by the detachment, including:

• a two-year investigation that resulted in 19 counts of arson against a primary suspect. The post-arrest investigation resulted in child pornography charges.
• the Green Valley Motel shooting. Following a 12-month investigation of the incident, three violent offenders were charged for weapons offences.
• the 2015 Jason Hardy murder in Polson Park. Three suspects were identified and charged within a matter of days although only one currently faces a murder charge.
• gun violence suppression. The RCMP say they have made concerted efforts over the past several months to target individuals involved in escalating violence linked to the drug trade resulting in multiple people being arrested and charged, including two incidents where handguns were seized.
• child pornography investigations. Police say there has been a significant increase in the number of internet-based criminal offences involving children (luring, child pornography). Vernon GIS has conducted numerous investigations in this area, and in most cases these have resulted in identifying and charging the suspect responsible.

“Officers are busy and have demanding caseloads but the detachment has demonstrated its professional ability to address the challenges and ensure Vernon remains a safe community,” said Mund.

In September, city council expressed full confidence in the RCMP following a meeting with senior police officers and bylaw compliance officers to discuss safety concerns.