RDOS board had questions for new South Okanagan top cop

Photo: Contributed

Supt. Brian Hunter met the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board Thursday.

The South Okanagan's new RCMP superintendent got a round of applause from the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board when he made his first appearance before them on Thursday. 

Supt. Brian Hunter reiterated many points he made at his first press conference with local media last week — calling himself "tough on crime" and pointing out that many problems with criminal activity stem from mental health and addictions issues.

"These are survival crimes," Hunter said, saying the health issues end up getting downloaded to the RCMP. "It's very complex, very challenging but that's what we're facing here."

Penticton mayor John Vassilaki appeared very excited about Hunter, calling him a "policeman's policeman."

Others on the board had some questions, but appeared happy with Hunter's responses. 

"We were building a good relationship with the past superintendent and now we've lost some momentum," Okanagan Falls director Ron Obirek said. 

Hunter said he would be happy to organize a public meeting in the community to address local concerns. 

Summerland mayor Toni Boot asked about the continuation of the Community Active Support Table (CAST) spearheaded by former Supt. Ted de Jager, which brings together social service and healthcare providers, police, bylaw and others to a single table once a week. 

"We will be continuing on with that," Hunter said. "I was very impressed, there’s lots of agencies there … it’s a great program. There’s not always great success stories, but there are some great success stories.”

Hunter's brief appearance at the board meeting was met with applause, and he will soon begin delivering quarterly reports to the RDOS.