Investigating policing good move
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Updated: July 15, 2009 1:08 PM
City council’s decision to consider alternatives to the RCMP is a good one. Not because the RCMP should be replaced, but because investigating all alternatives makes sense.
Year after year, when the budget process comes up, councils past, present and probably future voice their frustration at having to pay whatever is requested without having any control over the figures.
Policing is a huge component of the municipal budget and it makes sense for our representatives to explore whether there could be better ways of providing the service.
It would also make sense to gather information on all alternatives and then provide those who pay the bills – city taxpayers – with a realistic comparison of what’s available.
There are undoubtedly advantages and disadvantages to the RCMP, as there would be to a municipal force.
Rather than simply expressing frustration at the current setup, examining all alternatives would give councillors and, in turn, other taxpayers, information on which to base their opinions and, accordingly, their next course of action.
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