Hamer-Jackson wants to see more supports for outreach officers following $230-million RCMP investment

While Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson was pleased with Eby’s Wednesday announcement he felt the increasing support workers would be more beneficial for Kamloops.

“It’s like they always say, we can’t police our way out of this, and we can’t. We need outreach workers, and proper 24-hour shelters where people are allowed to get in there. When you have someone struggling on the streets they let them come in and vet them. They start doing things and they have the wrap-around services. And I think working some people or a lot of people into recovery. I think that’s the end game for a lot of people — not everybody, but I think that’s great. That’s how we are going to get success,” said Hamer-Jackson.

The previous city council in Kamloops approved 25 new RCMP positions over the next five years. It’s unclear whether the new provincial funding will help fill those positions any quicker at the local detachment. Hamer-Jackson is unsure on supporting the previous councils RCMP increase.

“You know what, I would have to have a look. I think so, but again, if you can reduce your crime, do you need that many? But I would always support more police when you need them. How do we know what is going to happen four years down the road?” stated Hamer-Jackson.

by Michael Reeve

Hamer-Jackson wants to see more supports for outreach officers following $230-million RCMP investment

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