WHEREAS many British Columbia municipalities are experiencing rising RCMP costs, and have no other options available for policing; AND WHEREAS the Province of Alberta has legislated the Peace Officer Act, providing a level of local government law enforcement with authority under the following provincial statutes: - Gaming Liquor Act - Traffic Safety Act - Motor Transport Act - Dangerous Goods Act - Environmental Protection Enhancement Act - Dangerous Dogs Act - Provincial Offenses Procedure Act; AND WHEREAS the Peace Officers support and collaborate with the RCMP so that the RCMP can focus their resources on major crime, while the Peace Officers deal with: - enforcement of all of municipal bylaws; - educating the public about various bylaws and regulations; - school and community youth safety programs; - the provision of conflict resolution and mediation services; and - assisting fireRCMPRegional Emergency Services: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that UBCM request that the Province of British Columbia work in concert with the RCMP to amend the Police Act to allow another level of policing services for local governments in order that they might have options that will achieve good fiscal balance, while maintaining a strong police force.
Ministry of Justice The Ministry recognizes that policing costs are a growing issue for municipalities and the full spectrum of law enforcement and public safety functions, such as special provincial constables, auxiliaries, by-law officers and private security, need to be examined. Under Action Item 2 of the BC Policing and Public Safety Plan, the Ministry aims to develop a public safety model including existing and new categories of law enforcement personnel to provide a range of responses appropriate to the risk to public safety. To this end, Ministry staff will be conducting a comprehensive review which will include law enforcement, private security and public safety groups in the Province and their associated legislative authorities.
RCMP The BC RCMP provides provincial policing services to British Columbia under contract between Public Safety Canada and the Province of BC. We are committed to working closely with the Police Services Division to ensure an appropriate and effective policing level throughout the province. These resolutions will be a very important component of the information we will use in our discussions with Police Services Division.