$1.1 mil for 6 new cops

Photo: Darren Handschuh

Vernon city council has approved an RCMP request for six new officers next year.

Vernon city council has unanimously approved a $1.1 million increase in next year's budget to fund six new RCMP officers, bringing the total number of officers in the city to 56.

“I have no problem making this motion,” said Coun. Bob Spiers.

The hike in officers will take the cost of the RCMP to more than $9 million annually, the biggest budget item for the city.

The increase comes on the heels of Statistics Canada figures showing Vernon was the ninth highest nationally on the crime severity index in terms of last year's numbers.

“I don't think the headlines are reflective of the situation,” Supt. Jim McNamara told Wednesday's budget session. “That said, we need to pay attention to the numbers.”

Vernon's top cop said the detachment experienced a spike in property crime in 2016 that has dropped this year.

McNamara said:

• there were 187 business break-ins in Vernon last year compared to 112 so far this year, a decrease of 40 per cent
• there were 250 household break-ins in Vernon last year compared to 158 this year, a decrease of 36 per cent

While that is the good news, McNamara warned that the violent crime numbers would be increasing in 2017 due to two murders in the city and an increase in robberies.

“We've known we've needed an increase in police officer resources for quite some time,” McNamara said. “My thoughts are that six is the bare minimum.”

“I'd like to not be hit with a six officer increase right off the bat,” complained Coun. Scott Anderson, who voted in favour of the new officers. “I'd like to know about it.”