Auxiliary RCMP units across Canada are receiving a review to determine what level of service these units will be able to provide to a community.
A three-tiered system plan is being proposed. Each unit is able to choose which tier they would like to go with.
The first tier is a basic format where auxiliary members go to being involved in public safety education and crime prevention initiatives.
Tier two is a little more involved, meaning members could do ride-alongs and assists to their detachment, depending on what the detachment leader says. This would involve extra training in the use of batons and pepper spray for self-defence.
The third tier is the most involved, meaning auxiliary members could assist in everything from arrests to traffic stops and ride-alongs. Currently, auxiliary members are not allowed to carry a sidearm.
Arnold Alstad is an auxiliary member for Nakusp and would like to see his unit choose tier three. He hopes a decision is made to allow auxiliary members to carry a sidearm.
“It’s a pretty bad feeling when things are going sideways on you and all you have is a baton and pepper spray,” he said. “Should something happen to the officer, then what? Basically, what we’re told is to run away, but that’s not in my books, I don’t run away.”
Officers on the regular RCMP force in Nakusp see the value of having auxiliary members in the community.
“I used to have auxiliaries riding with me all the time when I was in Prince George and they’re a great asset, especially guys like Arnold who know the area,” said Constable Lee Bellamy.
He recalled the case of a person who had gone missing in the mountains in the spring. Because Alstad grew up in the area he was able to provide a significant amount of assistance.
“He’s a hunter and he knows the area. He was able to guide the helicopters into the right area to find the missing person. He’s a huge asset.”
While Alstad would like to see members of the Nakusp Auxiliary RCMP carry a sidearm, he thinks the decision is one best decided by each individual unit.
“You take on a lot of responsibility when you start packing a sidearm,” he said. “You better know when to use it and when not to use it because once you use it there’s no going back.”
