Will the RCMP be able to restore its reputation?

RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson says he will update the force's bureaucratic disciplinary system to remove delays so that "the bad apples are sent packing."

RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson says it takes too long to dismiss officers who "don't deserve to be in the RCMP." (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)"I am trying to run a modern police force with a discipline system that was current 25 years ago," he wrote in an open letter to Canadians.

Paulson said it can take years to resolve a case because of an "administratively burdensome and bureaucratic decision-making process."

The letter comes after revelations that RCMP Sgt. Don Ray of Edmonton was demoted after he admitted to having sex with subordinates, drinking with them at work and sexually harassing them over a three-year period. Ray will be transferred to B.C., although some wondered why he wasn't fired.

Reforming the RCMP disciplinary process would involve changing federal law establishing the force.

"I commit to work relentlessly with the government to review the RCMP Act and modernize our discipline process," Paulson wrote.

Do you have confidence that the RCMP will be able to get rid of its "bad apples?" Will the RCMP be able to restore its reputation? Why or why not? Let us know what you think.



(This survey is not scientific. Results are based on readers' responses.)