It would be easy to accuse Vernon council of ignoring public safety after hearing that the number of budgeted police officers has gone from 52 to 50.
However, that would be more of a gut reaction than reality.
One has to consider that in recent years, the city has directed considerable financial resources towards hiring additional police officers and bylaw enforcement officers. Community policing has also received significant support.
We all remember back to a time when residents and merchants complained about the extent of crime downtown. Cenotaph Park was virtually off limits for law-abiding citizens and some employees were reluctant to walk to their cars in the dark. Times have changed and while there is still crime, the common perception is that downtown is a much safer place to be.
The RCMP suggest that shifting from 52 to 50 budgeted officers will make it challenging to maintain services. However, the city claims staffing varies from 48 to 51 depending on circumstances and nobody will lose their job. Which scenario is correct? We will have to wait and see.
It should be pointed out that two officers cost about $172,000 a year — that’s considerable when $246,416 equates to a one per cent tax increase in the city.
Given the impact the recession has created for many residents and businesses, council must make some difficult decisions as part of the 2011 budget. No city department got exactly what it wanted.
In the end, though, we are confident the RCMP will continue to provide the high level of service we have come to expect in the community.
