Comment on Recent Proposals
for a Regionally Integrated
Police Force for West Vancouver
Part Two: To Merge or Not To Merge, That is the Question

In light of the extensive cooperation already existing among police forces in the Metropolitan Vancouver region, one must ask whether the additional step of merging the various municipal police forces into a single regional entity, as recently suggested, makes sense.

Any proposed changes in the structure of local policing would have to take into account existing differences in the “density” of police force staffing in the region, variations in crime rate, differences in demographics, and differences in citizens’ appetites for police funding. The District of West Vancouver and its Police Board would also have to consider whether such a merger would be welcomed by its citizens. The same holds true for North Vancouver residents, served by the RCMP.

Ultimately, any changes in the structure of local policing would require provincial legislation. The possibility of the province imposing such changes unilaterally appears remote, indeed, at this time.

Also, one must consider the possibility of West Vancouver merging with the RCMP on the North Shore. This would certainly bring a significant alteration of affairs. The fact that the RCMP itself has been subject to intense examination -- and now restructuring -- would certainly be an additional consideration.

To illustrate the various factors at play (see Table 1, 2005 data), consider West Vancouver, which in 2005 was reported as spending on policing, on a per capita basis, two-thirds more than the District of North Vancouver. West Vancouver in that year was also reported as staffing its police force with almost two-thirds more sworn police officers per citizen. More police officers translate into higher costs. West Vancouver pays for – and receives – a significantly higher level of police services.

Only one of our neighbouring communities outspends and “out-polices” West Vancouver: the City of Vancouver. In terms of dollars per capita, the Vancouver Police Department costs its local taxpayers about 20 per cent more than does West Vancouver’s police department. This is, again, partly explained by Vancouver’s 15 per cent larger (per capita) staff of sworn officers. More officers mean higher costs.

Levels of policing are tied, in part, to the cities’ crime intensities. In 2005, West Vancouver’s reported crime rate (60 criminal code offences per 1,000 population) was almost half the reported crime rate in Vancouver (117).

Clearly, the level of police spending is but one factor determining the crime rate. Other factors such as demographics, age profile, transient population and wealth also apply. The interrelationships are complex, pointing to the necessity for each area to address its unique needs.

Governance must also be considered. Integration of North Shore police services could imply West Vancouver’s police force merging with the RCMP. West Vancouver police report to our local West Vancouver Police Board whereas the RCMP ultimately report to Ottawa. But there are other organizational possibilities.

Finally, funding could be an area of contention. Police services rely heavily upon property taxes. West Vancouver property values are high. This virtually guarantees that West Vancouver would subsidize a disproportionately larger share of the cost of any larger force.

Chief Constable Heed has close to 30 years of professional policing and crime-fighting experience. I would not presume to advise him on the most effective way to do his job. If anything, I would merely point out that West Vancouver has a proud and successful policing history and community attitudes which will surely shape any integration deliberations.

I am always pleased to discuss these matters with the Chair of the West Vancouver Police Board, other members of the Police Board, and the Chief Constable himself, should they so desire. I wish our new Chief Constable every success in his leadership of our police department.

Ralph Sultan, MLA
West Vancouver-Capilano

 

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