The RCMP has answered concerns about police manpower in the Town of Oliver.
Mayor Martin Johansen has expressed worry about not having a full contingent of officers serving the community.
Detachment commander Sgt. Don Wrigglesworth said last year’s policing agreement for Oliver announced three additional officers.
He noted the administrative processing for these positions lies with RCMP headquarters.
“We are hopeful to have them finalized soon,” Wrigglesworth said.
“As for current officers working in Oliver, it is status quo with the typical vacancy patterns being managed.”
The commander said they are awaiting spring transfers from throughout the province to prioritize current vacancies at the Oliver detachment.
“I can assure you that I am constantly on top of the Oliver detachment staffing levels and when the need arises I reach out to our neighbouring units in Penticton, Osoyoos, and Keremeos to get extra manpower when required.”
Wrigglesworth said Cst. Shawn Ingham was recently promoted to a corporal position in Fort St. John. As a result, the commander has accessed the reserve constable support unit for temporary relief.
Cst. Shawn Ingham has been promoted to corporal as he transfers to Fort St. John RCMP detachment.
He stated this unit provides a retired RCMP officer, who has remained on as a reservist, to come to Oliver to fill shifts.
He noted one of these constables retired a few years ago as the inspector in the Lower Mainland and now enjoys interacting with the public.
“I hope that by the spring of this year, we will see a number of new faces in uniform at the Oliver detachment,” Wrigglesworth said.
