City losing RCMP helicopter

Kamloops is losing its RCMP helicopter this spring.

The area will be served by the police helicopter based out of Kelowna, starting in April.

"We will be realigning these resources more effectively by moving one of two helicopters currently in the Southeast District to our North District, which currently does not have a helicopter, and moving one of our fixed-wing aircraft from North District to our Southeast District, which currently does not have a fixed-wing aircraft," said E Division media relations officer Sgt. Rob Vermeulen.

Vermeulen said there hasn't been any official announcement yet, but the aircraft will be relocated to balance RCMP resources. North District services are based out of Prince George.

"All that's happening, really, is a swap between districts," he said. "The two districts then have the same capabilities.

"It is important to note that the North District comprises 72 per cent of B.C.’s geographic area, so this realignment is simply a matter of common sense."

RCMP Air Services flies more than 23,000 hours per year, Vermeulen noted, and British Columbia has the largest fleet in Canada.  

"Across British Columbia, we use the aircraft for transporting officers, searches, traffic enforcement or conducting surveillance, just to name a few. 

While it is anticipated the move will increase response times in emergency situations in the Kamloops area, Vermeulen said the fleet is strategically placed throughout the province to support policing services and B.C.'s unique geography.