Dear Editor,
Re: “Why local policing is best for Richmond,” Opinion, Jan. 20.
We all want a safe community. But is replacing the RCMP with a local police force the right option for our city?
At an estimated $20 million to pay for start-up costs, and an additional $2 to $4 million per year in ongoing costs (dollar amounts provided by a city council report), creating a local police force is an extremely expensive proposition for taxpayers.
In his guest column, Mr. Hobbs appears to be recommending a solution to a problem which is not properly defined or clearly understood.
Is there really a policing problem in Richmond?
Is the city being underserved by the current model of policing?
Does either proposal (local police force or RCMP) make our city safer?
At a time when the economy is stagnant, is it wise to raise taxes and spend millions of additional taxpayers’ dollars on replacing the RCMP in our community?
Richmond’s crime rate is comparable or less than most surrounding communities, and our “cops per resident” ratio also compares very favourably.
Does city hall have some other reason for proposing an expensive switch?
Extensive public education and discussion need to take place for the public to feel confident in any decision made.
In my opinion, adopting a cooperative, joint working approach with the public, the city and the RCMP to better understand and address residents’ concerns about safety and security needs to be undertaken before we consider making changes to our police force.
Everyone should feel safe where they work and live, everyone deserves peace of mind.
The question is, would the expenditure of millions of dollars, as proposed by Mr. Hobbs, significantly improve community safety in Richmond?
Rob Howard
Richmond
