A changeover in RCMP staff at the Treherne detachment has led to concerns for two local municipal leaders. A new corporal will be coming to the detachment shortly, but will be living about an hour away. The reeves of the RM of Victoria and Municipality of Norfolk-Treherne are concerned about the distance, and how it could impact police visibility in their area. Norfolk-Treherne Reeve Craig Spencer says while they welcome the new member with open arms, they have multiple concerns regarding the distance.

Craig Spencer

"We're concerned about policing and on-call policing, and what kind of service we can get out of an individual like that, let alone the loss to the community in terms of community involvement, getting to know the community, and the community getting to know him."

Spencer notes the RCMP has residency policies in place, stating a member must live within 40 kilometres of the region they're working in. However, he notes the current officer lives much further, and the rules have been loosened. The two reeves have been discussing the issue for quite some time, sending a letter to the RCMP Dauphin District Office and RCMP Staffing office on January 19th. Meanwhile, Norfolk-Treherne Council discussed the issue with Central Plains RCMP Staff Sergeant Rob Vachon and Detachment Commander Rick Head earlier this month. However, Spencer notes they've yet to receive a reply from those responsible for the policy.

"My concern is two-fold. What the communities will lose by not having an in-resident corporal, and second of all, why do we not get a response back when the local political servants request information. We've had rate payers ask us questions on this, and rumours are abounding. It's frustrating not to get a response."

He says at their meeting earlier this month the Portage representatives indicated it wasn't a decision made at their level, and there was little that could be done. Victoria Reeve Harold Purkess is also expressing concerns over the matter. He notes previous corporals have become staples in the community, often becoming involved in more than just policing. However, Purkess admits this isn't the first time they've faced this challenge.

Harold Purkess"It surfaced before and we met with the inspector before and it turned out very well. We're not sure if it was timing, or just the staffing individual, or what happened, but we've been fortunate that the last two corporals have lived right in town, and we're hoping for the same result this time."

Their letter to the RCMP indicates having a corporal live locally not only benefits the municipality, but also provides great public relations for the RCMP. They're hoping to see the residency policy upheld, and are inviting the new corporal to live within the community, to see what they have to offer.