Kelowna RCMP has identified three specific priorities in updating its strategic plan for the next three years.
Superintendent Kara Triance presented the plan to council at its regular meeting on Nov. 20.
One of the priorities addresses a concern from the city害羞草研究所檚 2022 Safety Survey which found 92 per cent of residents want more police visibility in communities.
害羞草研究所淲e serve all Kelowna businesses and residents,害羞草研究所� Triance said. 害羞草研究所淵ou害羞草研究所檒l see in this three-year plan that it doesn害羞草研究所檛 commit to specific neighbourhoods害羞草研究所t the risk of excluding others害羞草研究所e will be responsive.害羞草研究所�
She said the businesses and tourism sectors would also like to see more police presence.
Triance added RCMP will keep up and expand efforts in targeting recurring property theft, pointing out that residents consider property crime the most important crime that needs to be dealt with in Kelowna.
害羞草研究所淵ou will be seeing us hone in and reinforce our implementation to target persons, places, and behaviours that are driving repeat criminality,害羞草研究所� she said.
Promoting the right providers for mental health, addiction care and supportive housing needs is also a concern for RCMP.
害羞草研究所淲e害羞草研究所檝e committed to co-designing a protocol with Interior Health connected to engaging people in crisis to community-based responders,害羞草研究所� Triance added.
The superintendent said there is also a focus on recruitment for the detachment.
An issue that was the topic of discussion at a recent meeting of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police.
害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 not just in law enforcement that we are seeing this,害羞草研究所� Triance noted. 害羞草研究所淗ealthcare professionals, teachers, education, everyone across the board is facing these similar challenges.害羞草研究所�
In order to deliver prevention and response in Kelowna RCMP will need to be creative as possible to make sure the work is being front-loaded and resources are being optimized, Triance added.
Mayor Tom Dyas asked about officers attending calls for service dealing with mental health issues.
害羞草研究所淚 absolutely want to see our officers co-responding with health (care professionals) where violence towards the individuals themselves, towards the public, or towards the professionals is a concern.害羞草研究所�
However, Triance said if the RCMP is the sole provider for those calls for service she would argue that is not the best policing model.
Council voted unanimously to approve the .
READ MORE: Police presence near Harvey Avenue during Kelowna rush hour
