Editor:
Re: Surrey First suggests RCMP referendum, June 29.
With your regard to the story on RCMP referendum, I believe that most people do not know that the RCMP policing model is completely different that of municipal police forces.
The RCMP use a general duty policing model. The member does three basic tasks – patrol, service calls and basic investigations, with the emphasis on the latter.
Patrolling is done when members are moving between locations during an investigation.
They are also available to take calls for service during that time.
If the file requires significant followup work, it will go to the Serious Crime Squad for investigation.
It has its strengths.
It has worked very well in small detachments.
I would go as far to say that it made the RCMP into the finest rural and wilderness policing force in the world.
It also makes for a more rounded police officer, if the member can make the grade.
Which raises the question, how many do not, and therefore are “re-assigned” to less onerous duties or to another detachment where there is more supervision.
So, in an urban environment with all its dynamics, I am not convinced general duty policing really makes the cut, or if more oversight will work.
Darwin Nickel, White Rock
