Would you be in favour of a regional police force for Delta? This question recently caused the Corporation of Delta to organize a public forum with a panel of experts and community leaders to discuss this topic. The panel, as expected, was divided.
It remains to be seen whether there is provincial and public interest for change in Metro Vancouver's policing structure.
This organizational change has been a topic of discussion over the years from time to time and this latest interest arises from the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry.
Years passed before the police investigation apprehended a suspect later convicted as a serial killer.
Was the current policing structure in some way responsible for the perceived delay in apprehending the killer?
There were many elements in the investigation, from the intended victims, to the charter of rights and freedoms, the quality of investigation and manpower allocation.
Serious criminal behaviour does not respect local boundaries of our cities and municipalities. Would a single jurisdiction be a benefit to an investigation and would our citizens and communities therefore be safer?
It might help to know the history of our current structure of policing in B.C.
B.C. joined confederation as a province in 1871 and formed a provincial police force under authority of the attorney general. In 1895 under the provincial Police Act, the constables were to maintain peace and order and enforce the laws of the province.
By 1946 the force policed all rural areas and unincorporated settlements and 40 municipalities throughout the province. The provincial police force was dissolved in 1950 and taken over by the RCMP.
Nevertheless, over a short period of time it was one of the most modern police agencies in Western Canada. The force was the first law enforcement agency to develop an air arm, crime laboratories and sophisticated communication systems for patrol cars and coastal vessels.
The majority of provincial police personnel were taken on as part of the RCMP, which has had the contract for policing in B.C. ever since.
As a parallel, the Delta Police Department was formed on July 7, 1888 and later this year will celebrate its 125th anniversary. To my knowledge, Delta's police force worked effectively with the provincial force and the RCMP generally, and specifically with Richmond and Surrey subdivisions on our borders.
I believe Delta has been well served by our 170 uniformed members and 70 support staff. Delta is fortunate to have one of Canada's best police chiefs in Jim Cessford.
Personal opinions are based on experiences and as one who has spent some years in the RCMP and on Delta's police board, along with a lengthy history with a provincial Crown corporation and as a national board member, I am comfortable with the status quo. I do not see any benefit to Delta with a regional force.
I only have to look at our experience of regional health care, the loss of court services and Ladner's post office to name regional changes not in Delta's best interest.
And a good night to you, Bob.
