The RCMP has approved a new backup policy requiring that at least two officers respond to dangerous calls in remote areas.
Mounties serving in isolated detachments will now travel in pairs to calls involving a threat of violence, weapons, mental problems or lack of radio contact.
Off-duty officers will back up anyone working alone.
The news comes out of a two-day meeting of RCMP leaders in Ottawa as the Mounties face growing pressure to better protect officers in the North and remote regions.
After more than 10 years of internal reviews, critics say it's time for the national police force to improve officer safety — regardless of expense.
The proposed backup plan is expected to cost $25 million or more.
Eight RCMP officers have been fatally shot while serving in remote detachments in the last three years, including four in Mayerthorpe, Alta., and two in Mildred, Sask.
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Mounties serving in isolated detachments will now travel in pairs to calls involving a threat of violence, weapons, mental problems or lack of radio contact.
Off-duty officers will back up anyone working alone.
The news comes out of a two-day meeting of RCMP leaders in Ottawa as the Mounties face growing pressure to better protect officers in the North and remote regions.
After more than 10 years of internal reviews, critics say it's time for the national police force to improve officer safety — regardless of expense.
The proposed backup plan is expected to cost $25 million or more.
Eight RCMP officers have been fatally shot while serving in remote detachments in the last three years, including four in Mayerthorpe, Alta., and two in Mildred, Sask.
Full story
More...