I recently read two letters to the editor (Gazette, Feb. 10) criticizing the RCMP, their request for additional members and the publication of their stats. To start, I don’t see how having taxpayers aware of how many tickets are written by RCMP would really make a difference. Although I believe in traffic safety, that’s a very small part of law enforcement. As for additional members, I think it's fair to say all Canadian law enforcement agencies are crying for more resources.
I understand the optics of numerous police officers sitting in a restaurant while their cars are running is a cause for concern for some. However, when it's -30 C and the expectation is to have quick police response I think this doesn’t seem as serious.
It’s quite clear that St. Albert isn’t your typical blue-collar community and the citizens need something to complain about. Until you’ve walked a day in the boots of a police officer, spent numerous nights away from your family and been required to function on minimal sleep all to deal with the things no one wants to hear about, I think it's only fair to cut these RCMP some slack.
Love them or hate them, when you need their help they respond regardless of how you treated them previously.
Ivan Dascavich, St. Albert
