On February 24, 2022 the Local Government RCMP Contract Management Committee (LGCMC) 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.
Proposed Terms of Reference Amendment
Committee members approved adding two additional virtual LGCMC meetings per year to facilitate enhanced communication and information sharing.
RCMP Labour Relations Update
The LGCMC received an update on the status of the RCMP’s collective agreement. Local government contract partners, including UBCM, continue to request that the federal government absorb all retroactive costs. Meanwhile, Public Safety Canada (PSC) is moving forward in sending letters to contract partners that will explain the new billing methodology and provide a range of the cost impacts specific to each jurisdiction. The letters are not invoices but are to assist jurisdictions with financial planning.
Body Worn Cameras
The Committee discussed the delayed roll out of body worn cameras. The key concern remains the funding framework that will see contract partners assume all costs in 2024/25. LGCMC members expressed concern regarding hidden costs (e.g. data management) that may be transferred to contract partners.
Recruitment and Federal Policing
The RCMP is seeking to modernize its recruitment model, as well as examine how best to position its federal resources to address key law enforcement priorities. More details will be made available at a later time.
Review of Contract Policing
The Minister of Public Safety’s mandate letter includes direction to conduct a review of contract policing. No additional information has been shared, and thus contract partners remain unaware of the specific intent or scope of the review at this time.
Impacts to Local Governments from Redeployment
A UBCM member asked that the LGCMC discuss the costs of redeployment due to emergencies and events. The primary concern was that local governments are assuming costs that are not covered (e.g. overtime, time off in lieu to backfill). It was also noted that the past year has included more emergencies and events than usual, requiring hundreds of members to be redeployed. There is also a vacancy issue, which if addressed may reduce the need to redeploy resources.
Financial Planning for New Costs
Two financial planning issues raised by UBCM members pertained to better understanding the detachment review process; and, the desire for more detailed and timely cost estimates. As part of this discussion, the LGCMC discussed the need to receive as much advance notice as possible regarding new cost items.
RCMP Vaccine Mandate & Impacts on Local Governments
Members discussed the angst created by the RCMP’s December 2021 letter requesting that local government support staff working in RCMP detachments be vaccinated. Guidance has since been revised, with clarification provided through The Compass.
Fees Associated with Reclaiming Indigenous Name
In alignment with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the federal government and some local governments have waived fees associated with the reclamation of Indigenous names. The RCMP has not received direction nationally to do the same for finger printing and criminal record checks.
Vision 150 and Strategic Plan
RCMP representatives discussed Vision 150’s modernization initiatives, which are being grouped under five key themes: ensure a safe, equitable workplace; address systemic racism; advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples; support modern policing; and improve accountability, transparency and conduct.
Regular Member Demand/Vacancies
The RCMP has seen an uptick in recruitment, and is on pace to send 35 troops through Depot this year. LGCMC members also discussed concerns that some detachments are running at a high vacancy rate. The provincial support team is being used to help support those detachments at a critical staffing phase. Another means to fill vacancies is through cadets – BC has received over 260 this year. The Province continues to engage with communities to determine vacancy gaps.
Excess Leave
The excess leave liability in BC is approximately $18 million. Pursuant to the Collective Agreement, this will be paid out over two periods, with 50% delivered on March 31, 2022 and the remainder paid on March 31, 2023.
Major RCMP Operational Issues
RCMP representatives provided information regarding the following key operational issues:
- Lytton wildfire – E-Division has secured a new location for a temporary detachment that could be ready in the near future.
- Crown-led bail process – The RCMP is involved in a steering committee that is examining the use of virtual bail hearings; this practice was originally implemented as a temporary measure in response to COVID-19.
- Protests – RCMP members have been managing a number of protests, including those pertaining to old growth; the Coastal GasLink project; the Trans Mountain Pipeline; and convoy demonstrations.
Police Act Review
Members discussed the work of the Special Committee on Reforming the Police Act. An update was also provided regarding the Local Government Policing Modernization Roundtable, which was established by the Province as a forum for ongoing consultation with local governments regarding the Police Act and related public safety reforms.
South Island 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 funding solution.
Provincial Auxiliary Program
The Province continues to work towards reaching an agreement with RCMP National Headquarters to provide Tier 3 auxiliary policing in BC. Given the uncertainty around the federal Auxiliary Program, LGCMC members discussed alternatives to auxiliary policing, such as utilizing community safety officers.
Surrey Police Transition
It was noted that Surrey Police Service (SPS) deployment will be limited to 175 officers in 2022, which will allow the SPS to grow, but also help reduce the Surrey RCMP at a comparative rate. There will be impacts on divisional administration costs, but finalizing accurate estimates has been a challenge.
Amalgamated Detachments
An LGCMC member previously raised this as an issue of concern, citing an erosion of community policing and reduced response times as consequences of amalgamating detachments. Members discussed the potential for the next RCMP Collective Agreement to lead to further discussion around this model of policing.