Domestic Violence Raising Red Flags For PG's New RCMP Superintendent

By 250 News

Prince George, BC - Prince George RCMP Officers are called out to deal with incidents involving domestic violence two or three times per day...

Last year, they responded to a total of 913 domestic violence calls. In going over the local crime statistics for 2011 with City Councillors last night, Superintendent Eric Stubbs said it's a significant problem and one that consumes a lot of time.  "It's a high risk area that, if we drop the ball on, bad things can happen."

As Stubbs works to prepare the local detachment's strategic priorities for its 2012 annual performance plan - which goes into effect April 1st - he's meeting with community stakeholders to hear where their concerns lie.  Domestic violence is an issue that's jumping out at him.  There are detachments with dedicated Family Violence Units, and it's something Stubbs is considering for Prince George in this early stage of his consultations.

In his eight months as the Officer in Charge of Prince George RCMP, the Superintendent said he's attended a couple of domestic incidents during ride-alongs with his officers.  He says, one in particular, was extremely violent and the female victim was almost killed.  "She's lucky to be alive," he said, "And those are the ones I want to make sure we have an opportunity to help."  He said that means working in partnership with other support agencies in the city to assist the victim in any way possible.   "To be honest, if we don't get a conviction, but she gets out of that relationship and now she's safe - to me, that's win."

Three or four officers at the detachment do have specialized training in handling cases of domestic violence.  The challenge is finding a way to dedicate even one solely to this task, given staffing shortages within the RCMP and budgetary constraints on the City's side.

Stubbs said the force is struggling to keep the front lines bolstered with some uncontrollable issues like transfer gaps, injuries, and parental leaves making it difficult.  He told Councillors last night, he might try to 'get creative' - find a way to test the position, and monitor the benefits.  "And if it works - if it does - then maybe down the line, I would be presenting to council to add it on as an increase."

To which Mayor Shari Green replied, "Well, we're challenged there, as you know."  She had been hopeful having two officers pulled back into general duty from the Downtown Enforcment Unit might allow one to be assigned to the task, but Stubbs said they were quickly absorbed by the shortages.  Councillor Lyn Hall said he would be very supportive if there was an opportunity to find an allocated position.

Stubbs will meet with a number of community stakeholders in the coming weeks as he works to formulate his performance plan.  He admitted domestic violence is just one of any number of pressing issues facing the local detachment - from gangs and guns, to at-risk youth, to property crimes, addictions, the downtown core, and rural issues.

"We can't solve everything, so we have to look at what the biggest concern in the community is and let's put some resources towards that." 

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