A discussion paper prepared by two West Shore RCMP auxiliary constables for the RCMP’s upper ranks played a role in the national police force’s recent decision to reverse restrictions on duties put in place last year.
On Jan. 16, a new tiered auxiliary constable model was announced by the RCMP’s senior executive committee.
West Shore RCMP Aux. Const. Lorne Fletcher, a 27-year veteran of the volunteer program, and Don Devenney, a 23-year member, suggested a tiered approach for the auxiliary program in a 10-page discussion paper they prepared for senior levels of the RCMP in 2014. Auxiliaries in Saskatchewan had made similar recommendations around that time as well.
Fletcher and Devenney made further suggestions at the end of last year on ways the new tiered system announced by the RCMP could be improved.
“We have confidence that the pending changes will benefit communities across Canada,” said Fletcher, who by day is manager of community safety and municipal enforcement for the City of Langford.
The RCMP reduced the role of auxiliary constables in 2016 following the shooting death of RCMP Const. David Winn and the wounding of RCMP Aux. Const. Derek Bond in Alberta in 2015. As a result, previous auxiliary duties such as bike patrols, ride alongs and traffic control were eliminated.
View Royal Mayor David Screech is happy with the decision to adopt a tiered system that restores the duties auxiliaries perform. “Council is really pleased with this,” he said. “I think this really reaffirms the incredible value auxiliaries provide to the community.”
Screech went to bat for the program last spring in the wake of the auxiliary role reductions. He sought support from the Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and the province to help encourage the RCMP to revisit the decision.
“It looks to me like the RCMP listened to the community and will reinstate some of the duties taken away for auxiliaries that want to do them,” Screech said.
Under the new system, Tier 1 auxiliary constables will be involved in supervised community policing initiatives such as crime prevention and public education.
Tier 2 auxiliaries will have the status of peace officer, where provincial and territorial legislation permits. They will be under the direct supervision of an RCMP member and will not accompany officers on general duty patrols. Tier 3 status will include the duties of Tier 1 and Tier 2 auxiliaries, as well as clearance for ride alongs.
RCMP Deputy Commissioner Kevin Brosseau said in a media release that the changes were based on evidence and extensive, thoughtful consultation. New mandatory national training standards will be developed for all three tiers in coming months.
“I am confident they will improve the program and contribute to the safety of auxiliaries, police officers and the public,” Brosseau said.
reporter@goldstreamgazette.com
