Yellowknife (Sep 03/03) - Police need to do more about the city's drug and alcohol problems says a new survey of Yellowknifers released by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Insp. Paul Richards says the RCMP is working hard to deal with drug and alcohol problems in the city.

Residents gave the RCMP an "average" grade when asked to rate the force's responsiveness to community concerns like alcohol and drug abuse.

"We're doing a lot of work to address these issues," said RCMP Insp. Paul Richards.

"But it really takes an effort from the entire community."

Richards said the RCMP has worked closely with community groups like the Wellness Coalition to address the city's drug and alcohol problems.

"Our goal is to solve these problems before they become policing issues," said Richards.

"By working with other groups, we're trying to address the root causes of the problems."

The concerns were raised in the 2003 Community Survey, a semi-annual study conducted by the RCMP. It's designed to let the force know what Yellowknifers think of police services.

"It really is a diagnostic tool," said Richards. "We'll take these results into account...when it comes to our (strategic) planning."

The survey revealed that many citizens think the police don't have enough resources to deal with crime in the city.

"I think Yellowknife's detachment staff are stretched to the limit and serious consideration should be given to providing more man years," wrote one of those surveyed.

"An increase in the minimum staffing level is greatly needed in Yellowknife for the officers on the street. (A lack of staff) increases response times to calls and may place officers in a high risk situation with little or no backup," wrote another respondent.

Interestingly, 30 per cent of those surveyed have been victims of crime within the last two years, but only 12 said they're worried about being crime victims in the future.

The study also revealed that over 90 per cent of those who have come into contact with police say the experience was a positive one. Richards said those are indications that the police are doing a good job.

"Can we improve? Absolutely," he said. "This survey is important because it highlights the areas we need to work on."

"But it also shows that we're heading in the right direction."