Rankin Inlet (Aug 20/03) - Three weeks ago Rankin streets were devoid of RCMP cruisers after 1 a.m.

In fact, you would have likely received no answer at the detachment building at that time either.

Three weeks ago, RCMP closed at 1 a.m., but the new commanding officer at the detachment Sgt. Grant St. Germaine has changed that.

"Now we're open until 4 a.m.," he said.

"I couldn't understand why, when there were so many break-ins, we were going home at 1 a.m."

The break and enter spree, which the RCMP are still trying to clear up, was not the only motivation for changing the hours.

St. Germaine said it is one of his mandates to also increase police visibility.

As well, the police have begun enforcing the 1 a.m. bylaw to prevent ATV operators from making unnecessary noise when people are trying to sleep.

Most importantly, the new hours have reduced response times.

St. Germaine said that a majority of RCMP calls come in between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.

When the detachment is closed those calls are relayed to Iqaluit where a dispatcher will get in touch with a Rankin officer to attend the scene.

All that takes time, now, with officers working until 4 a.m., response times will be quicker in that period.

Hamlet council were pleased with the efforts the new commander and the officers were making in town.

Most said that there has been a noticeable increase in police visibility and that noise levels at night have decreased.

Mayor Lorne Kusugak doesn't want the efforts to stop there, however.

He said that he would like the RCMP to look at other initiatives in town as well.

Kusugak is asking the RCMP to begin doing spot vehicle checks in town.

"There's a significant amount of drinking and driving in our community and it's dangerous," said Kusugak.

He also would like there to be more emphasis on helmet enforcement for operators of ATVs.

St. Germaine said he would look into addressing those concerns.