The Editor,
The RCMP is still taking a beating in the media. Many are suffering for the sins of a few. In June, Commissioner Bob Paulson promised to exercise the sweeping powers given to him under the new RCMP Act to rid the RCMP of the "bad apples."
He also promised a new era of respect. I am a numbers kind of guy, so let's look at numbers. A year ago, the RCMP reported they had about 20,000 sworn members on the books. I can recall media reports indicating about a half dozen members involved in things that would classify them as "bad apples." Anybody associated with human resources would tell you that is not bad.
Every day, nearly 20,000 men and women go about their business with honour and integrity. They do a difficult job, sometimes under dangerous circumstances, they make split second decisions and they do that job well, in fact, their reputation is world class. Sure, there is room for improvement. I would like to see more clarity in the discipline process. I would like to see the RCMP members' rights respected as much as I like to see my rights respected.
Here is one right that I cherish and I would like to share it with the RCMP - it is the right to be considered innocent until proven guilty. So when I see that RCMP cruiser driving down the street, I will say to myself that the member is one of the 20,000 honourable members who is serving their country and community with integrity and has not been proven to be one of the very few bad apples.
Scott Stewart Richmond
