Halifax RCMP Cancels Fall River Office, Abandons Eastern Passage Hiring Plan
The Halifax RCMP has cancelled plans for a community office in Fall River and abandoned hiring six officers for Eastern Passage, citing costs, a new provincial billing model, and improved technology. While the RCMP reports decreased service calls and increased proactive policing, local councillors expressed disappointment over broken commitments.
The Halifax RCMP has cancelled plans to open a community office in Fall River and abandoned a proposal that could have seen six officers hired in Eastern Passage due to costs. The decisions were announced during a special Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Monday.
An RCMP spokesperson said a new provincial billing model and improved technology for squad cars led to the change in satellite office plans. Meaghan Stewart, director of administration and personnel, reported that proactive numbers are going up and Criminal Code calls for service are going down in all three communities.
Coun. Cathy Deagle Gammon had previously helped RCMP officers look at sites for a community office in Fall River. She stated that the word "pilot" had never been used when council approved the positions two years ago. The RCMP’s Halifax Regional Detachment hired two units of six officers last year to serve Fall River and the Beechville, Lakeside and Timberlea area.
Despite the cancellations, the RCMP stated they are still looking for an office in the Timberlea area as part of a pilot project.
Becky Kent, board vice-chair and councillor for District 3, argued the decision went against the commitment to community policing. The move has generated disappointment among local councillors and police board members, raising concerns about an erosion of trust between the community and the RCMP.