Recent violence in the Tri-Cities, including four shootings within just seven weeks, highlights the urgent need for a stronger public safety plan across British Columbia. These tragic events, following the death of RCMP Cst. Rick O’Brien last September, underscore that such violence should never be considered normal or acceptable in our communities.
These incidents occurred in high-traffic, well-known areas of the Tri-Cities last fall and winter. And growing public safety concerns aren’t limited to Metro Vancouver- they are affecting communities across B.C.
Statistics Canada’s July 2024 report on the nation-wide crime severity index (CSI) revealed that
five B.C. cities placed in the top 10 for crime severity in Canada. This is a clear signal that our province needs more police officers, better equipment, and advanced technology to tackle these challenges.
The National Police Federation (NPF), representing 6,500 RCMP members across B.C. and 20,000 nationally, is urging the next provincial government to take immediate, concrete action. This includes increasing funding for additional officers and adopting a smart, data-driven approach to bail reform.
Successive provincial governments have underfunded the B.C. RCMP. The number of B.C. RCMP officers needs to go beyond the current stagnant 2012 staffing levels. One of the NPF’s primary recommendations for the next B.C. government of any political stripe is to allocate $250 million over the next four years to add 300 additional RCMP officers and to equip them with necessary tools, including upgraded air, marine, and vehicle fleets, as well as improved housing and facilities. While a recent provincial investment in the RCMP was a step in the right direction, it was not enough to keep pace with B.C.’s growth and the increasing demand on law enforcement.
Nationally, the RCMP has seen a surge in applications, with more 17,500 received over the past year. The RCMP training facility has been operating at full capacity since August 2023, demonstrating strong interest in joining the force.
Addressing the issue of repeat and prolific offenders is another critical aspect of public safety. A small percentage of individuals are responsible for a significant portion of crime. This highlights the need for focused interventions, including several strategies recommended by the NPF.
- Targeted enforcement: focusing on the small percentage of individuals responsible for a disproportionate amount of crime through specialized task forces.
- Bail reform: ensure that the bail system prevents repeat offenders from cycling through the justice system, putting families and communities at risk.
The need for a well-resourced public safety plan is more urgent than ever. Proper resourcing and an effective public safety plan are not just for addressing immediate crime concerns; they are about ensuring long-term safety and security for communities across British Columbia in the years to come.
Representing roughly 20,000 RCMP members across Canada, the National Police Federation is the largest police union in Canada, the second largest in North America and the first independent national association to represent RCMP members.
