Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Chad Klassen

RCMP SUPPLEMENTALS

City settles on 2.97% tax increase as RCMP requests dominate supplemental budget list

Feb 25, 2020 | 4:39 PM

KAMLOOPS — The RCMP are getting some reinforcements, not in the form of additional officers but two positions that will help the force focus more on protecting the community.

One is a police accounts clerk and the other is a crime analyst, bringing the total number of analysts to three in Kamloops. The RCMP says the crime analyst, in particular, will ease pressure on frontline officers.

“They compile all of the information from the internet and from statistics, so that police officers don’t have to do it themselves, and that gives them more time to be out on the road, responding to calls and do more thorough investigations,” noted Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Jodi Shelkie.

During a Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday morning (Feb. 25), council approved the two RCMP positions at $84,000 each per year. The crime analyst also allows officers to target problem neighbourhoods more effectively.

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“They find these specific neighbourhoods, what specific crimes, and then what prolific offenders could be committing these crimes in these areas,” said Shelkie.

Ten of the 11 supplemental items discussed at the meeting were approved, pushing the property tax increase for this year to 2.97%. Council is expected to give the budget final approval in spring.

Council also approved $750,000 for the design and cost plan for the Battle Street detachment expansion. Built in 1990, the building was only supposed to hold the RCMP for 10 years. Now there are 160 staff working there. The Forensic Identification Section, one of the most dangerous areas of the building with chemicals used to analyze evidence, is running out of space quickly.

“The RCMP does have an immediate need to renovate for their Ident, identification bay, and then we are proposing, we will bring back to council for further approval, proposing additional phases,” said city’s capital projects manager Darren Crundwell. “The building is pretty tight for space right now.”

Much of the expansion will take place at the empty lot next to the detachment.

“There would definitely need to be some grading and some site service, but we know we’ve got something to work with at that location,” noted Crundwell.

The study and design would happen this year with construction beginning in 2021.

The third RCMP-related item recommended by city staff in the supplemental list was a local training facility at more than $8 million. Council decided to defer the matter to a later date.