Image Credit: CFJC Today / Kent Simmonds

By Dylana Kneeshaw

DOWNTOWN DETACHMENT PLAN

Kamloops’ top cop spells out need for expanded police headquarters

Nov 16, 2023 | 10:08 AM

KAMLOOPS — Space is a hot commodity at the downtown policing detachment. There are roughly twice as many Kamloops RCMP officers and staff working out of the building than it was designed to hold.

Last month, a report was presented to the city’s Build Kamloops committee which outlined potential solutions to the overcrowding.

More officers are being added each year to the local detachment and Superintendent Jeff Pelley hopes to see a decision around the future of the building made soon.

“As you’re aware, the detachment was built in 1990. It was designed for approximately 75 to 85 occupants,” says Pelley. “With our staff, we’re upwards of 150.”

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A new site and building will be needed at some point in the future. When that happens depends on whether the detachment undergoes a partial or full renovation to expand its viability.

“We are looking at all options here. From anywhere from seven years to 15 years or broader from that point,” explains Pelley.

Options being considered include renovating the detachment so the RCMP can use it for the next 15 years or developing the property to eventually be used as the new City Hall building, though that would require the creation of a new long-term space for the RCMP.

“We continue to work with the municipality and have several discussions around different models,” he says, “And again, as it’s been seen at a recent Build Kamloops meeting, we’re going to be further engaged with mayor and council with respect to what the plans are.”

But with more officers joining the Kamloops complement, a decision will be needed soon.

“We’ve had some great successes with our Five-Year Strategic Plan, including the increase of 25 officers. We’ve increased our frontline officers by multiple uniformed constables,” adds Pelley, “and we’re just in the process of working through the next five officers for the next fiscal year.”

For now, council and the Build Kamloops committee are considering the options. And when a plan is eventually approved, a finalized design and construction timeline will be ironed out.