VERNON, B.C. – The head of the Vernon RCMP detachment released a public statement Friday night following a media report that claimed the city is at risk from too few police officers on the street.
Supt. Jim McNamara said the report contained, “significant inaccuracies that could compromise both officer and public safety.”
“To set the record straight, I do not believe chronic under staffing is leaving our police officers or the public in danger,” said McNamara.
The statement goes on to say the Vernon RCMP detachment has 57 officers in 56 established positions, “however due to illness, injuries and administrative leave, we’re billing for 48 officers.”
“If the city is being billed for 48 it means that on average we’ve had 48 roadable officers providing operational police services to the City of Vernon.”
McNamara said they have adjusted schedules and resources to ensure the city of Vernon is protected during peak policing hours.
He said recent statistics Vernon RCMP have collected prove their policing efforts have impacted crime positively.
“From 2014-2015 there was a 2% decrease in the overall Crime Severity index in Vernon and this year from January to August we’ve actually seen a 5.9% decrease in violent crime compared to last year,” McNamara said.
Vernon RCMP are looking to increase the number of police officers to 50 with the help of council.
His full statement can be found here.
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