Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

Inuvik ( May 12/00) - Inuvik RCMP Staff Sgt. Bob Gray has been appointed section NCO of 10 detachments in the Beaufort Delta and Sahtu regions.

Gray told Inuvik Town Council about his new position at Monday's meeting. He said the move was somewhat of a surprise, but his commanding officer in Yellowknife told him he wanted management represented in the Inuvik region.

"It means the public has more access to information, because I represent the commanding officer in the Beaufort Delta," said Gray.

Gray said the move means Cpl. Brian Pinder has been appointed interim detachment commander in Inuvik until a new sergeant or staff sergeant is appointed.

"It's an aboriginal position, so we'll likely have someone in place there by Sept. 1," he said.

Gray said Cpl. Jeff Hurry would also be providing leadership at the detachment. Hurry also attended Monday's meeting to provide council with policing statistics.

He told council traffic enforcement has increased in Inuvik, although violations are not up from last year.

"The members are encouraged to get out and meet more people and get involved in what we call 'self-generated' work," he said. "You'll see a lot more of that ... there's a very low seat-belt compliancy in Inuvik."

Hurry said due to recent transfers and the force's new policy of members operating on three-year rather than two-year contracts, Inuvik will have a low turnover of personnel this year.

He added the detachment is also looking to take on two youth trainees for the summer.

Staff Sgt. Gray said plans for a new detachment building may still include space for other emergency services -- the fire department and ambulance service.

"We're not backing out," he said. "There are still some negotiations going on."