City, RCMP ‘merge’ efforts against Iqaluit’s alcohol-related crimes

Iqaluit RCMP and municipal enforcement officers will work together in an effort to curb alcohol and traffic-related incidents in the city for the next three months.

“My goal is to merge pretty much the two agencies together to work alongside,” said Sgt. Vlatko Nikolovski, Iqaluit RCMP’s detachment commander, in his monthly presentation to city councillors Tuesday.

City bylaw officers and RCMP officers will patrol the city together in what Nikolovski referred to as a three-month pilot project.

Three RCMP officers have been dedicated for the project.

“Residents may notice increased foot patrols and officers actively engaging with individuals around the city,” a City of Iqaluit news release said.

There has been a “disconnection” between the RCMP and municipal enforcement officers, but this initiative will help to make the city safer, Nikolovski said.

Alcohol has been a major factor in police-involved incidents in the city for years. Out of 874 calls for service to the RCMP in December, 430 were alcohol-related.

Councillors have long called on the RCMP to step up enforcement, with some suggesting that closing Iqaluit’s beer and wine store might be the solution.

RCMP have previously teamed with Qikiqtani Inuit Association to do increased foot patrols of the community.

“It’s encouraging to see,” said Coun. Kyle Sheppard of the pilot project. “It’s something that I know has a limited lifespan right now, but it’d be something that’s great to see extended into the summer if possible.”

Nikolovski agreed, saying the goal is for the program to continue beyond the three months and to become a “baseline” for the city.