That being for the potential to have a representative from the local detachment of the RCMP attend to council to provide an update on the challenges of policing in the community, as well as for Council to review the topic of mental health related challenges that Northern Health may be finding in Prince Rupert.
The Councillor opened his look toward the prospects by reviewing some of the year end case file reports from the RCMP for 2021, before addressing his concerns over the mental health issues that are found in the community.
"And so I'm harkening back to having raised the point that at some point soon I hope, we're going to be able to get together with the RCMP and have a conversation, where we're able to ask questions that are suitable for a public discussion.
And I do understand that there is transitional process that is not necessarily yet complete in terms of being able to get there. So I would like to leave that there with the reminder that I'm still interested in that happening" -- Councillor Nick Adey
As he observed he did make his first request for an information sharing session in September of last year, his suggestion one that followed in the footsteps of previous requests from Councillor Barry Cunningham over the last few years.
Mr. Adey also spoke to the concerns that are being found in the community when it comes to pandemic related mental health issues.
"So, I guess the point that I'm making is, I think there is a place for, but I'm not sure what the right mechanism is, I think there's a place for some information sharing about mental health services and the challenges facing people who work in that field here. With respect to the pandemic, but also in a general sense I think there would be really good, a good information sharing piece for the public to be exposed to and I guess I would like us to think about ways to move that forward to see if we can make that happen" -- Councillor Nick Adey
Towards a response to his themes, the City manager provided some updated notes on the situation with the local detachment.
"Just with respect to the RCMP and communications, I'm pleased to say that we are in the final stages of the recruitment process for a new Office in Charge for our detachment. And during the process the part of the process that I've been involved in we've certainly spoken about the need for regular reporting out to the community and to council.
So I think that Council will be receiving regular visits and reporting, as will administration from the RCMP, so I think there will be an opportunity for appropriate conversations within a public context in the near future" -- City Manager Rob Buchan
The Prince Rupert detachment of the RCMP has been without a permanent Officer in Charge since December of 2020 when then Inspector Blake Ward transferred to Alberta.
As for the councillor's mental health themes, Mr. Buchan noted that staff would look towards how they could engage in that topic.
A full review of the Councillor's commentary to the topic can be reviewed from the City's Video Archive starting at the 48 minute mark.
More notes on Monday's Council session can be explored from our Council Timeline.
While a wider overview of past Council Discussion themes can be reviewed here.
Mr Buchan talks about "we" are in the final stages of recruitment, and "we've certainly spoken" about the need for reporting, but there is no commitment as to when or under what conditions that will occur. Who is this "we" who gets to make these decisions?
ReplyDeleteHe says there will be opportunities for "appropriate conversations". Who gets to decided what is appropriate for the council to receive as reports or talk about?
It comes across like the council is governed by some higher power, but who are they?
There is likely a hiring panel/committee at City Hall. That panel would screen and qualify candidates with canned situational interview questions.
ReplyDeleteHere is the last published city ORG chart, page 5.
http://www.princerupert.ca/sites/default/files/notices/2020/2019%20Annual%20Report%20-FINAL.pdf
I fail to see what a hiring new officer in charge has to do with the local RCMP appearing before council. Right now there is an officer in charge that is making policing decisions for the City of Prince Rupert.
ReplyDeleteBring that person in and let council ask their questions. If the city finally hires a new guy the new guy can come in. There is nothing to stop council from making motions to facilitate their wish to talk to people.