On November 1, 2022 the RCMP Local Government Contract Management Committee met with provincial government and RCMP representatives to discuss issues related to the Municipal Police Unit Agreements and policing more broadly in British Columbia. Key issues discussed at the meeting are summarized in this article.
LGCMC Vacancies
UBCM will seek to fill all LGCMC vacancies, including those resulting from the October 2022 local government elections, as part of its appointment process. A call for nominations will be issued in early 2023 through The Compass.
Regular Member Demand / Vacancies
RCMP representatives provided an update on their work to identify and address existing vacancies. Some of the ongoing initiatives include a national strategy, led by RCMP National Headquarters, to increase recruitment; the experienced officer recruitment program; and the Province’s work with the RCMP to identify vacancy and resourcing patters across BC.
Auxiliary Program Update
The RCMP National Headquarters has decided to move forward with the Auxiliary Program. BC will proceed with Tier 3, the most comprehensive option available. Once an MOU is in place, the RCMP will work to facilitate implementation.
LGCMC members also discussed the ongoing local government/UBCM request for a BC-only program that can meet local needs.
Detachment Commander Selection Process
A UBCM member had suggested that this issue be examined, citing concerns with the limited local government representation as part of the Detachment Commander selection process. The LGCMC meeting provided an opportunity for the RCMP to advise that the national selection process policy has changed to allow participation by more than one community member.
Security Clearance Delays
The RCMP identified that delays are occurring both internally and externally to their organization. However, Treasury Board requirements have changed to allow for electronic submissions of documents. A team has also been established to reduce the backlog.
Sheriff’s Responsibilities and Lock Ups
LGCMC members discussed Sheriff staffing levels, as it pertains to managing prisoners and associated responsibilities. The cost and impact of virtual bail on policing resources; and, long-standing local government concerns around Keep of Prisoners reimbursement were also discussed.
Implementation of Body Worn Cameras
RCMP representatives advised that the body worn camera field test (i.e. pilot project) will begin in early 2023, in Nunavut, Nova Scotia and Alberta. It is expected that full implementation across Canada will occur in spring 2023.
UBCM and local governments continue to raise the issue of funding at the national Contract Management Committee, and its sub-committee on body worn cameras. Despite numerous implementation delays, the federal government has only agreed to cover costs until April 2024.
Major Operational Issues/Initiatives
The RCMP provided updates on current issues across BC including wildfires, protests, and gun/gang violence. Notably, gun violence is increasing across communities, including those within and outside the Lower Mainland.
RCMP Collective Agreement and Next Bargaining Phase
Public Safety Canada (PSC) has not made a decision related to retroactive payments associated with the RCMP Collective Agreement. UBCM continues to advocate for the federal government to absorb all retroactive costs, consistent with requests delivered to PSC earlier this year by FCM, UBCM and their members. LGCMC members noted that the local government budgeting process is beginning, and any decisions made must account for the local budget cycle.
PSC anticipates that the next round of collective bargaining will begin in the near future. Provinces, territories and local governments continue to cite the need for federal Treasury Board, as the employer, to consult and engage with contract partners during the bargaining process.
Public Safety Canada Review of Contract Policing
As part of the Minister of Public Safety’s mandate, PSC will conduct a review of contract policing. This review will include consultation with all contract and Indigenous partners. Discussions with contract partners, including local governments, are expected to begin in late fall/early winter.
Surrey Police Transition
Following the October 2022 local government elections, the City of Surrey expressed interest in reversing the Surrey Policing Transition. The Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General has agreed to receive and consider a transition plan from the City.
Police Act and Public Safety Modernization
The Province has received approval from Cabinet to proceed with a phased approach to public safety modernization. Engagement with local governments and Indigenous partners will soon begin as part of the co-development of legislation. More information is expected after a new Premier is sworn in.