INUVIK - In addition to one constable who arrived here in mid-September, the Inuvik RCMP detachment will welcome four more Mounties by mid-October, one of whom will fill the vacant corporal position.

The detachment has been understaffed, as two members were taken off patrol responsibilities and placed on administrative duties. One of those officers is recovering from a back injury suffered while responding to a call. The other, Const. Colin Allooloo, is awaiting sentencing after being convicted of assault with a weapon last month. The case stems back to 2006, when he was stationed in Fort Simpson.

Const. Mike Peters just arrived from Prince Edward Island for a three-year stint with the Inuvik RCMP detachment. He'll be joined by four more officers scheduled to arrive by mid-October. - Andrew Rankin/NNSL photo

Staff Sgt. Cliff McKay of the Inuvik RCMP said members of the detachment have worked hard trying to pick up the slack.

Const. Mike Peters, 33, who started his first shift on Sept. 16, had been previously stationed in East Prince, P.E.I.

Coming from a rural post, Peters said he's trying to get used to the intensity of his new job where he responds to many more serious alcohol-related calls. But he said he and his wife are adjusting well to the community.

"Whether it's coaching hockey, or getting involved in other athletic events or skateboarding with the kids, I just want to get involved," he said.

McKay said a corporal position will be filled by Kent Pike, who will arrive from Gander, N.L., by mid-October. McKay said the detachment spent months trying to find the right candidate for the job.

"We have one staffing officer trying to take care of the whole unit," he said. "There's always delays for one reason or another."

Pike will join Cpl. Sean Doornbos. McKay said two corporals is the standard for a post with as many members as Inuvik.

The new corporal's wife, Const. Sandi Pike, will also be joining the Inuvik detachment. Constables Scott and Jessica Gillam are due to arrive in Inuvik at the same time in October. They are coming from Gypsumville, Man.

With the new additions will bring the number of officers employed at the detachment to a total of 16.

"We police the community 21 hours a day," said McKay. "You have to have those kind of numbers to give adequate police service. You could always use more when you want to be proactive about the type of drug and alcohol problems we have in this community."

McKay said the officers replace former members who have been either transferred to other detachments across the country or have been assigned to relief duties in the outlying areas, including Paulatuk, Ulukhaktok and Sachs Harbour, which are typically two-person units.

The new members will stay on for a three-year term.

McKay said typically the detachment receives two to three new officers a year to replace outgoing members transferred to other postings.