Question: Steinbach RCMP have asked city council to provide funding for three more RCMP officers so that a general investigation unit can be created. What do you think of this request? Are there other ways city council can be involved in addressing community safety needs?
This year City council has approved the funding for the addition of another officer for the RCMP for Steinbach. Recently the RCMP requested the creation of a crime investigation unit, adding another three officers. When compared to other cities of similar size in Manitoba, council should be addressing the ratio of officers per population to ensure that the Steinbach RCMP have adequate resources.
Similar sized cities in Manitoba have a general investigation unit as part of their detachment. These units are generally assigned to investigate major crimes such as murder, rape, home invasions, and drug and gang related crime. Although the point could be made that national statistics may be applicable to our city, I think that Steinbach is unique in that this degree of crime in our community is not publicly evident. I would like to ensure that our local police are adequately funded to aid in the reduction of crime in our community through both proactive measures such as educational programs, and the implementation of a more visible police street presence. I feel that a community with a more visible police presence provides a greater sense of security. The hours of the night, when most crimes occur, should be patrolled to ensure people that policing is active and present and able to respond quickly. A possible solution could be attained by funding private sector companies that specialize in security, becoming the “eyes and ears” of our community at night .This could allow for the Steinbach RCMP to apply resources to responding to criminal activity. Steinbach city council should be supporting organizations in our community which offer alternatives to crime and to support the efforts of our RCMP by ensuring that they have the necessary resources.
