The officer in charge of the Codiac Regional RCMP is pleased a review of policing services in Moncton has recommended the city stick with the Mounties.

"This is good news as it serves as independent validation of our policing model, the policing strategy we employ, and the excellent work from all employees in keeping our communities of Dieppe, Moncton and Riverview safe," Supt. Wayne Gallant stated in a news release.

"It also recognizes that our policing model provides services similar to other communities but also unique to Codiac and are delivered in a cost effective manner when compared to other police services," he said.

'It remains my strong belief that the current policing model with its seamless, integrated delivery of policing services to the three communities is the best option.'—Supt. Wayne Gallant, Codiac Regional RCMP

The Codiac RCMP took over policing services in the greater Moncton region in 1999 under orders from the Liberal government of the day.

Consultants were hired last year to examine whether the city was getting the most for its money. One option was to pull out of the RCMP and return to a municipal police force.

A 220-page report received by Moncton city council Thursday night suggests creating a separate Moncton RCMP detachment or a municipal force would cost too much money to start up.

It also found that Moncton represents 66 per cent of the population served by the Codiac RCMP, but pays a higher percentage of the $17-million annual cost of the force

Dean Secord, the president of the New Brunswick Police Association, has said a municipal force could do what the RCMP does for Moncton but for about $6 million less a year, due to lower salaries.

Decision by end of March

The Moncton council must make a decision about its policing services by the end of March. Two feedback sessions for Moncton residents are set for March 17 at City Hall.

Gallant said he has already requested an opportunity to make a presentation on behalf of Codiac Regional RCMP and has told council he is available if any members have questions regarding information about the RCMP contained in the report.

Although the consultants selected the status quo as the preferred option, Gallant said he acknowledges "there is still room for improvement…as pointed out within the policing services review.

"We are constantly assessing our service delivery model for possible improvements and welcome the input from this report in that regard," he said.

"It remains my strong belief that the current policing model with its seamless, integrated delivery of policing services to the three communities is the best option.

"The RCMP respects the political process that must now follow as the mayor and councillors decide on the type of police service they want for their residents."