The Province of B.C. and RCMP E Division have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the initiation of a new RCMP Auxiliary Program at the most comprehensive (Tier 3) level, applicable province-wide where the RCMP is the police service of jurisdiction. A start date for the new Program is still to be determined.
In April 2020, following a national review and program revisions initiated internally, the RCMP announced that the legacy Auxiliary Program was being suspended due to new provisions and policies for Auxiliaries put into place by the RCMP across Canada. In its place is a new tiered model that will allow divisions and contract partners to choose one or a mixture of tiers based on local needs and circumstances. Activities will vary depending on the tier chosen, with Tier 3 being the most comprehensive option available.
Initiation of the new Program cannot happen until the final steps to discontinue the old Auxiliary Program are completed. These steps include the termination of previous provincial peace officer appointments. Concurrently, as part of the new Program, the process of engagement, screening, training and outfitting Auxiliaries in communities across B.C. will begin and be implemented over the coming months. This new model will be available to all local government contract partners, including those that have not previously utilized auxiliary policing services.
The UBCM Executive, in February 2020, endorsed a motion seeking the temporary implementation of the new Auxiliary Program at the Tier 3 level while a BC-only program was under consideration. This motion reflects the importance of auxiliary programs in many B.C. communities that rely on this supplemental option to address seasonal demands, events and other enforcement duties; as well as the long-term objective of implementing a provincial program that meets the needs of local governments.
Auxiliaries are uniformed, unarmed community volunteers who are appointed by the Province of B.C. as peace officers once screening, medical and training requirements have been completed. Auxiliaries perform 180 hours per year of public safety services and programs in their respective communities, under the direct supervision of RCMP regular members.
Local governments interested in implementing the new Auxiliary Program or seeking more information regarding the Tier 3 model may wish to contact their local detachment commander.
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