Office of the Attorney General Suzanne Anton:

“We do not anticipate increased pressure on local police resources as the new Okanagan Correctional Centre is built and becomes operational. That said, our government continually monitors policing resources, and this includes collaborating with communities and the RCMP to ensure adequate, effective policing in smaller communities like Oliver that are served by provincial detachments.

The RCMP are monitoring workloads to assess resource implications that may result from the Okanagan Correctional Centre. The jail will reduce pressure on local police lockups, where provincial inmates would normally be held while awaiting court outcomes. Any new provincial member requests will be considered by the RCMP in balance with priority needs throughout the province.

It should be noted that addressing crime isn’t just about officer numbers – integrated policing, engaged citizens, new laws and other initiatives have all contributed to B.C.’s lowest crime rate in decades.”

source: Government of BC

At a meeting Thursday morning, the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen directors agreed to petition by the Attorney General to conduct a study of the impact on policing resources because of the new correctional facility.