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 Officials with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police faced village council and the public on the morning of Sept. 30. They announced that one of seven police officer positions would be eliminated from the Fort Simpson detachment. From left: Sgt. Brian Winters, Insp. Greg Morrow and Staff Sgt. Bob Gray. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo |
Insp. Greg Morrow, the RCMP's district policing officer, made the announcement at a community meeting on Sept. 30.
The RCMP's formula, based on crime statistics over the past five years, indicates Fort Simpson, Wrigley and Jean Marie River only require a total of five police officers, Morrow explained. The Mounties' senior staff have decided to remove only one position instead of two, he told the village council members and close to 20 resident at the meeting.
He said he and his colleagues are aware of pending industrial development in the region, particularly the proposed Mackenzie Valley pipeline. If and when that takes place, he said resources would be redistributed accordingly.
Mayor Raymond Michaud argued the statistics don't reflect the preventative aspect of policing, which does more good than a bunch of arrests.
Several residents cried foul over the prospect of needing crime statistics to rise over a prolonged period before the position is reinstated. The impact of expanded alcohol rationing, which took effect on Sept. 1, hasn't yet been measured, they said.
Morrow replied crime numbers are reviewed every year and that "gut feeling consultation" also plays a role in the decision-making process. He said he would be accountable for the results.
"If stats go up, I'll be back next year telling you something different," he said. "Nobody likes to lose a position, I understand that."
A constable's position has been vacant in Fort Simpson since late July. Eventually, the corporal's position will be cut and the detachment will consist of a sergeant and five constables, Morrow said.
Community member Ken Brown told the RCMP they should pressure the government for more funding rather than cutting a police officer from Fort Simpson.
Resident Ted Grant, a former RCMP member, said the Commissioner of the NWT would have to approve of the cut.
Chastised the RCMP
Community member Peter Shaw -- who chastised the RCMP for not holding the public meeting during the evening when more people could attend -- and Mayor Michaud both said they would appeal the decision to MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew and MLA Kevin Menicoche.
"You can't look around this room and tell anyone we'll be well served with one less (RCMP) member," Shaw said.
