Inuvik (July 10/06) - An Inuvik woman says she doesn't feel safe because the RCMP doesn't have an officer at the station 24 hours a day.

However, the RCMP says it has officers ready 22 hours a day except for two "gap hours" between shifts.

Corporal Jim Strowbridge, of the Inuvik RCMP, says there is simply no need for a 24-hour service.

"Yellowknife is the only 24-hour service." He says officers always prepare a bit early because they are often called before a shift. Constable Noella Cockney, who regularly works 10-hour shifts in Inuvik, has been called on occasion. "It's very rare," she said.

Jane Kramer, who owns a house on Mackenzie Street, says the RCMP should nevertheless have someone in the office at all times.

"If an officer is sitting at their desk, they are ready to go out the door.

But if they are at home, they have to get out of bed, get motivated, get dressed- that's extra response time."