Community Wants More Police Presence

By Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

North Okanagan community reps have presented their wish list to the RCMP. More than 70 stakeholder groups attended a planning session put on by the local Mounties last night. Dozens of issues or concerns about policing were raised, but some of the common themes were
communities asking for more police presence, and for police to continue to place a strong emphasis on drug enforcement. Armstrong mayor Jerry Oglow felt it was important for the RCMP to regain public confidence, adding several recent events have caused people to lose some respect. Coldstream mayor Gary Corner felt the police should have more input into the methadone clinic in Vernon, saying it's larger than needed and causes huge problems. A number of RCMP officers and staff were present at the meeting. Inspector Steve McVarnock says the input will be used in forming the police's action plan.