Campbell River Council and the RCMP are implementing a Tier 3 Campbell River RCMP Auxiliary Program that would allow a minimum of six unarmed, specially trained volunteers to accompany uniformed RCMP officers to provide non-enforcement support.

The national RCMP Auxiliary Program was introduced in 1963 to enhance community policing and crime prevention initiatives. Following a program review and subsequent suspension, BC RCMP and the Province of British Columbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Tier 3 Program in BC, which launched in April.

BC RCMP auxiliaries are volunteers who receive BC Police Act Appointment as sworn peace officers, after completing the approved RCMP and Provincial Ministry of Justice training.

They must maintain RCMP security standards and complete a minimum of 180 hours annually, accompanied by and under the supervision of a uniformed RCMP officer.

Council authorized a budget of $6,000 for implementing the program and a budget of $6,000 per year over ten years.

To learn more, see the council meeting highlights at City of Campbell River.