FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George BC - The City of Prince George is continuing its advocacy efforts with the province on the issue of public safety.
Last week, City senior leadership and members of Council met with Glen Lewis, Assistant Deputy Minister and Director of Policing and Law Enforcement; John Brewer, Assistant Commissioner for the BC RCMP; and North District Chief Superintendent Ken Floyd. The visit included a downtown site tour and roundtable discussions to highlight ongoing public safety concerns, staffing challenges, and opportunities for the province to provide support for treatment facilities, drop-in centres, and other services for vulnerable residents.
Following the visit, Prince George RCMP Detachment Officer in Charge, Superintendent Darin Rappel, announced that the RCMP has implemented interim operating procedures to focus enforcement and community engagement efforts in the downtown core. A dedicated team of eight downtown zone members has been assigned to respond to street disorder, including shoplifting, mischief, arson, disturbances, assaults, overdose assists with Emergency Health Services, and drug-related offences. Two members will be on each shift, seven days a week, supplemented by overtime shifts.
There will be zero tolerance for fire-related incidents, including mischief and arson. The RCMP will coordinate with City bylaw services and Prince George Fire Rescue where possible.
While the City welcomes these operational changes, municipal government cannot direct RCMP operations. City leadership continues to work with provincial and federal partners to pursue broader solutions, including advocating for bail reform, stronger criminal justice measures, and additional mental health and supportive housing services.
City Manager Walter Babicz said the discussions with provincial and RCMP leadership were constructive and underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue.
“This was not a one-off conversation,” said Babicz. “Maintaining communication between the City and the province remains a top priority, and we are committed to seeing tangible results from our advocacy efforts.
“We know residents continue to feel frustrated by public safety issues, particularly downtown, and we want to assure the community that addressing these concerns is a high priority.”
The City is coordinating with provincial officials, including Premier David Eby, to arrange a visit to Prince George to continue these important discussions and share residents’ perspectives.
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Media contact:
Kendall Robertson, senior communications advisor
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca