On July 20 and August 30, 2021, the RCMP Local Government Contract Management Committee met with provincial and RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the RCMP contract and policing in British Columbia. Key issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article.
RCMP CAO Kevin Stringer Update
Appearing as a delegation, RCMP CAO Kevin Stringer and CFO Jen O’Donoughue provided an overview of their recent meetings with provincial and territorial contract jurisdictions. LGCMC members outlined some of their primary issues including the importance of cost containment; the need for the RCMP to be more efficient; disappointment in the status of the Auxiliary Program; frustration with the lack of local government engagement; and the need to address ‘burnout’ and soft vacancies within the RCMP.
RCMP Labour Relations Update
Committee members received an update on the status of the RCMP’s collective bargaining agreement that was ratified on August 6. With Public Safety Canada in caretaker convention due to the federal election, meaningful discussions have not taken place regarding impacts and timelines. Local government members sought guidance on financial impacts associated with increased staffing (e.g. retroactive payments, increased salaries) and operational costs.
2021-2022 Five Year Review
Members discussed the process for approving issues to be included as part of the Five Year Review. UBCM and local government feedback obtained as part of the initial stages of the review and that met the criteria for review were incorporated in the Province’s submission. The Five Year Review is expected to conclude in Spring 2022.
Body Worn Cameras
The LGCMC received an update on the activities of the federal body worn camera (BWC) working group that has been meeting monthly for the past 4-5 months as the federal government pursues the implementation of BWCs in 2022. Local government representatives requested information regarding capital and operating costs to assist in anticipating costs associated with the implementation of BWCs.
RCMP Auxiliary Program
An update was received on the status of the new federal Auxiliary Program, which remains inactive until the MOU is finalized. Local government representatives expressed disappointment in the lack of auxiliary policing options, re-iterating the importance of the program to local governments.
Excess Leave
Despite RCMP policy prohibiting members from accumulating more than 400 hours of annual leave and calls for the RCMP to manage down excess leave amounts from within existing budgets, a reduction has not been realized. Furthermore, due to COVID-19 and other emergencies, the amount of excess leave has actually increased. While a solution has yet to be finalized, there could be significant financial implications for contract partners.
Vision 150 and Strategic Plan
LGCMC members were advised that priorities and objectives listed as part of the Strategic Plan are now available online.
Core Values Review
For almost 20 years, the RCMP has operated with unchanged core values. Given recent events and the evolving nature of policing, the RCMP has elected to review these core values, and to examine new themes.
Regular Member Demand/Vacancies
Depot is operating at 32 troops with the intention to reach 36 troops. E-Division continues to hear from local governments regarding staffing challenges and they continue to strategically place cadets in areas where there are vacancies.
OIC Recruitment
Members received information regarding the process for OIC recruitment, which includes identifying promotable members; community engagement; and adapting the recruitment model based on local government preference. LGCMC members re-iterated the need for residents to feel they are represented, and that the RCMP is being responsive to the needs of the community.
Major RCMP Operational Issues
RCMP representatives provided information regarding the following key operational issues:
- Wildfires – E-Division has activated its divisional emergency ops centre at Green Timbers, which is actively assisting all areas of BC. Prioritizing support towards Lytton.
- Residential Schools – E-Division will be meeting with the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc Band, who will be leading a discussion related to their report and next steps/process.
- Resource Projects – There are a number of large resource projects currently underway, with the most active being Fairy Creek.
- Gang Conflict – In response to the growing gang violence, CFSEU has taken the lead, using a new approach that includes daily operational briefing calls with all police agencies; enhanced air support; more police dog support; roving uniform patrols; bar watch; and many other initiatives.
Digital Policing Strategy
LGCMC members discussed some of the key components of the RCMP’s digital policing strategy, including digital evidence management that is being piloted at the Upper Fraser Valley detachment. This initiative will change how front-line officers deal with disclosure and collection of evidence.
Police Act Review
Members discussed the ongoing review of the Police Act, including the Policing and Security Branch’s upcoming work to address its policing priorities, as well as some of the themes being expressed to the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act. The Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General is also working to develop and enhance policing standards and review the Police Act more generally.
South Island Police Dispatch
The Committee discussed the recent decision to consolidate police dispatch services in the South Island region, including the work of the Province and affected local governments to find a more palatable resolution to this issue. In addition to expressing concerns regarding the financial impacts for affected communities, LGCMC members also sought earlier and more improved communication.
Surrey Police Transition
The Surrey Police Service (SPS) is currently hiring officers and management, with the first 50 officers to be deployed, seconded to the RCMP, on or before November 30, 2021. This process is expected to repeat itself until sufficient SPS officers are available. The current projection is that SPS officers will outnumber RCMP officers by January 2023, with full transition anticipated by 2024. LGCMC members requested additional information regarding the impacts of the policing transition on local governments.
Amalgamated Detachments
An LGCMC member raised this as an issue of concern, citing an erosion of community policing and reduced response times as consequences of amalgamating detachments. There was support from other members of the LGCMC, with some concerned that provisions in the collective agreement could lead to consideration for more amalgamated detachments in rural areas.
Provincial Auxiliary Program
Local government representatives continued to express support for a provincial auxiliary program noting some level of urgency due to the rate of auxiliary members leaving. The Province continues to advance the work of the BC Auxiliary Model Working Group to identify potential options for a Provincial Auxiliary Program.