This spring, the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee (LGCMC) met with provincial government and BC RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreements, and policing more broadly in British Columbia. Issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article.
Provincial government update
Provincial representatives discussed the mandate letters recently issued to the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services. The Province has prioritized facilitating cooperation between police, the federal government and the Crown to address repeat and violent offenders. Other notable priorities include border security, and working across ministries to intervene with those struggling with mental health, addictions and brain injuries.
Also discussed was the provincial budget, which among other public safety related investments, includes funding to address certain aspects of the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program, the implementation of body worn cameras for the Provincial Police Service, increase the number of spaces at the Justice Institute of BC Police Academy, and support costs associated with RCMP collective bargaining settlements.
Collective bargaining update
BC RCMP representatives provided an update on RCMP collective bargaining, advising that bargaining initially scheduled for early 2025 is delayed until the new federal government receives a negotiating mandate. In the meantime, a planning rate has been included in local governments’ Multi-Year Financial Plans. This rate is the same as the rate used during the second round of collective bargaining. Local governments are once again recommended to build contingencies into their budgets. The LGCMC co-chair re-iterated the importance of including local governments in discussions related to collective bargaining.
Implementation of Body Worn Cameras
RCMP representatives advised that the initial phase of implementation has gone smoothly, with all body worn cameras (BWC) and docking stations functioning properly. Since implementation began, over 600 BWCs have been deployed across BC. An additional 350 BWCs are expected this fiscal year (ending April 30, 2025), including as part of the second phase, which began in January in Kelowna and the northern region. It was noted that the BWC initiative has resulted in officers spending more time submitting information as part of the Crown disclosure process. The RCMP is piloting artificial intelligence software to help with certain functions. E Division is also continuing to monitor demand on the Divisional transcription and redaction unit.
RCMP recruitment and vacancies
LGCMC members were advised that the flexible posting plan is contributing to an increase in applicants and overall recruitment in E Division. As of spring 2025, E Division was on track to receive 347 cadets this fiscal year. At the time, British Columbia had also onboarded 42 experienced police officers. Annual attrition is approximately 250. The E Division suitability pilot project, which entails meeting with cadets at Depot Division who seek to come to BC, has been extended once more.
Major events and operational initiatives – Impacts on local governments
The BC RCMP provided an update on several major events and operational issues, including border security support and funding, resource commitments for the Invictus Games, preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the G7 Conference in Alberta. With respect to the FIFA World Cup, the RCMP is participating on a provincial planning table that is working on all aspects related to security.
Update on outstanding issues
The Committee received updates on two outstanding items being considered by the LGCMC:
- The management of local government support staff that work in a detachment.
- The recovery of costs by local governments for providing support to the Provincial Police Service.
Surrey transition and impacts on local governments
Provincial staff noted that training and hiring of new officers is gradually increasing since the November 2024 change in jurisdiction. Over the past four years, approximately 60% of Surrey Police Service (SPS) officers have come from other BC police agencies, 20% are from out of province and 20% are new recruits. The SPS and RCMP are working on demobilizing the RCMP members out of Surrey, with approximately 108 officers already moving to other jurisdictions and units (as of spring 2025). The RCMP is advocating for these officers to stay in BC and fill existing vacancies.
Committee members inquired about any anticipated impacts to RCMP Divisional Administration costs. Members were advised that these costs are predominantly based on the number of RCMP Members in the Division, and the RCMP is not anticipating a decrease in Members and therefore negative impacts on cost as a direct result of the police model transition are also not anticipated.