(Photo: TDCB)
Staff shortages affecting industries around the world now appear to have hit municipal policing in Metro Moncton.
The Codiac Regional RCMP remained 26 available members short of their target of 147 in September, according to second-quarter results released at a recent Codiac Regional Policing Authority Meeting.
Charles Savoie, the Director of Policing Support Services, explained that new cadets face a rigorous process before they are considered a member.
Nagesh Jammula, Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, acknowledged the pandemic put a strain on recruitment but asked for a forecast to determine when the target will be achieved.
“As far as Codiac would be concerned, we do have a significant amount of new members on their way in short order,” Acting Supt. Ron Desilva told the board members.
Among those concerned about the number of current members was John Coughlan, a Town Councillor in Riverview, who was “discouraged” by the statistics.
“I try to explain to residents the costs are going up for policing. How can I explain to residents we’re spending all this money on policing but we don’t’ have enough police?” Coughlan asked.
A new collective agreement for the RCMP resulted in the cost of the CRPA rising by about $4.3 million.
Shortages are affecting RCMP detachments across the country but will hopefully subside soon with new members on the way, said Desilva.
“There is a benefit to having young members come in to give us a hand, but we’re also going to get experienced police officers not only in the RCMP but members that have served in other polices forces who are [moving] into the area.”
COVID-19 hindered the RCMP’s ability to recruit new members, largely due to provincial border restrictions implemented in regions in Canada, including New Brunswick.
Desilva said he is hopeful that the number of available members will improve before the next quarterly results.
