Richmond residents are being asked to fill out a public consultation survey to help guide Richmond city council in an upcoming decision that will shape the future of police services.
To obtain a discussion guide and a police services review report (see the full report below), residents can go online to LetsTalkRichmond.ca or pick up the material at Richmond City Hall.
Upon reading the materials — which weigh various issues pertaining to keeping the Richmond RCMP or establishing a new municipal police force — residents can then fill out the survey.
The survey assesses residents’ policing priorities and asks whether the RCMP or a municipal force would be better for the needs of the community.
The discussion guide focuses on four key issues: decision-making authority, local needs and values, financial costs and service delivery and staff.
According to the discussion guide, many decisions about local priorities and costs are made outside of Richmond.
It also notes, among other things, that the Richmond RCMP detachment has a high turnover rate compared to municipal detachments.
The survey addresses an estimated annual operating cost increase of $3 million for a municipal force, as well as an estimated $19.6 million one-time transition cost.
Meanwhile there are five open houses scheduled throughout the city in February (full details here):
South Arm community centre: Feb.17 5-8 p.m.
East Richmond community centre: Feb.18 5-8 p.m.
Thompson community centre: Feb.20 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Steveston community centre: Feb.23 5-8 p.m.
Richmond City Hall: Feb.24 5-8 p.m.
Richmond RCMP - Richmond Police report to council
