RCMP needs resources for alcohol enforcement: Commander

Iqaluit RCMP lack the “resources” needed to continue a pilot project launched this year with municipal enforcement, which aimed to curb public drinking, says detachment commander Staff Sgt. Vlatko Nikolovski.

Coun. Kyle Sheppard asked Nikolovski during the May 26 city council meeting how police are preparing to enforce public drinking laws as warmer weather approaches.

“Unfortunately, I have no resources at this time to dedicate to that project,” Nikolovski said. “However, it’s still something that I’m looking forward to [being] able to secure resources so we can continue with that project.”

The three-month pilot project, launched in January, saw RCMP and bylaw officers conduct more foot patrols where public drinking has been an issue.

Nikolovski said the plan is to start conducting ATV patrols at “random” times and places in June, instead of continuing the project.

“I’m hoping that the ATV patrols — and along with the bylaw project if I’m able to secure resources — that it’s going to show great results, and hopefully we can reduce the number of public drinking and nuisance around town,” Nikolovski said.

Sheppard, in response, said he has “no question” that Iqaluit RCMP is “stretched very thin.”

In his monthly report to city council, Nikolovski wrote that the detachment is staffed by 26 constables, four corporals and one sergeant.

Sheppard suggested that council could formally request more support for the detachment.

“If we are able to secure more resources it’s going to be a huge benefit to the detachment,” Nikolovski said, adding that it would be great to have more officers.

In Nunavut, the RCMP is contracted by the territorial government to conduct police services in all 25 communities.

The budget for the current fiscal year proposes allocating $75.8 million to the RCMP.

At the legislative assembly on May 27, Justice Minister George Hickes said he hadn’t heard Nikolovski’s comments at the previous night’s council meeting.

In a follow-up, Justice Department policy director Stephen Shaddock wrote in an email to Nunatsiaq News that department officials met with their municipal counterparts on May 27.

“The RCMP have assured the department that they understand the City of Iqaluit’s concerns and are committed to working collaboratively toward meaningful improvements,” Shaddock said.

Shaddock also said that the Iqaluit detachment is currently “fully staffed and is expected to maintain regular rotations throughout the year.”

On May 29, Nunatsiaq News reached out to RCMP to ask what additional resources police need and how they plan to enforce public alcohol laws this summer. The RCMP did not provide a response by press time.

Coun. Amber Aglukark praised Nikolovski’s team during the May 26 council meeting, saying the patrols have been effective in deterring public drinking.

“It’s going to be really important how we work together with your team and what even the Department of Justice could do to ensure that a plan is effectively put in place and implemented to try and at least tackle this really serious issue,” she said.

Iqaluit RCMP’s April monthly report indicates that police have responded to 3,668 calls for service in the first four months of the year, 1,475 of which involved alcohol. In that same time frame, there were 79 calls that related to Nunavut’s Liquor Act.

— With files from Mosha Folger