Dear Editor,
In the wake of a recent burglary, I received a communication from the RCMP updating me on the status of the case. While I am grateful for the RCMP’s effort, I can’t help but express my deep-rooted frustration and concern over the apparent lack of commitment to resolving burglary cases in our community.
Shortly after reporting the burglary, it became clear that my case had been downgraded in priority and essentially closed. This is alarming, given the audacity with which the perpetrator acted.
It suggests a growing sentiment among criminals that the RCMP’s current approach offers them a de facto shield. This situation could embolden would-be burglars to continue their illicit activities, secure in the knowledge that the RCMP lacks either the resources or the will to effectively respond.
This isn’t merely an indictment of the local branch of the RCMP; it’s reflective of a larger issue. The RCMP is stretched thin across Canada, compromising its efficacy in safeguarding public property and maintaining community security.
Our local law enforcement is operating under severe constraints, both in terms of manpower and resources, and this has evolved into a chronic problem crying out for innovative solutions.
In my specific case, there were potential leads that could have been explored more aggressively. For instance, dashcam footage from the burglary partially captured the perpetrator’s face a metre away from the camera.
With advanced AI technology, this evidence could be enhanced to generate a clearer image in less than a minute. Yet, the RCMP seems disinclined to take such measures. This lack of initiative is particularly disappointing given that I’ve previously invested significantly in a security camera system precisely to aid law enforcement in instances like this.
My family suffered from a similar incident in 2011, with losses exceeding $50,000. Then, as now, the RCMP’s primary obstacle to action was allegedly a lack of security footage. Despite now having this crucial evidence, it seems little has changed. Cases are still closed swiftly, with limited investigation.
In light of these ongoing challenges, I propose a significant change in our approach to community policing: let the RCMP focus predominantly on federal responsibilities and allow local government agencies to handle community policing.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the residents of Richmond would be better served by a dedicated local police force than by the over-extended RCMP.
Frazer Roland
Richmond
