Mayor Akbal Mund affirmed Council’s confidence in the North Okanagan RCMP detachment and the services provided to the region following a recent media report that suggested that understaffing was putting officers at risk.
“Our council fully supports the RCMP detachment in Vernon in regard to service they provide for our residents and their commitment to public safety,” said Mund. “We have complete confidence in their ability to mobilize resources throughout the North Okanagan as required.”
The media report contained several inaccuracies regarding staffing levels and caseloads—including the number of active members on duty at the detachment—as well as operating information provided to Council by the RCMP. The Mayor expressed concern that misinformation contained within the report could lead residents to believe that the safety of the community and the officers was at risk.
“Superintendent Jim McNamara and Inspector Gord Stewart have always been communicative to Council and we appreciate their transparency,” said Mund. “Under the leadership of Supt. McNamara, the members have demonstrated their capacity to adapt to shifting demands in policing and to continue to provide optimal levels of public safety.”
Mund noted that the City of Vernon budgets 50 funded officer positions. Officer strength in Vernon can vary from 48-56 positions. Watch commands can call for additional resources to address demands for service.
Mund added that multiple high profile cases have been successfully handled by the North Okanagan detachment, including:
- Arson Series (2014 to 2016): This two-year investigation resulted in 19 counts of arson against a primary suspect. The post-arrest investigation resulted in child pornography charges.
- Green Valley Motel Shooting (2014/2015): The 12-month investigation of a shooting incident resulted in three violent offenders being charged for weapons offences.
- Hardy Homicide: This case involved the 2015 homicide of a local male. Three suspects were identified and charged within a matter of days.
- Gun Violence Suppression: The RCMP made concerted efforts over the past several months to target individuals involved in escalating violence linked to the drug trade. This has resulted in multiple people being arrested and charged, including two incidents where handguns were seized.
- Child Pornography investigations: There has been a significant increase in the number of internet-based criminal offences involving children (luring, child pornography). Vernon GIS has conducted numerous investigations in this area, and in most cases these have resulted in identifying and charging the suspect responsible.
“Officers are busy and have demanding caseloads but the detachment has demonstrated its professional ability to address the challenges and ensure Vernon remains a safe community,” said Mund.