Prince George, B.C. – With the colder temperatures and snow on the ground, the negative elements that had been a concern in the downtown of Prince George don’t seem to be as active. With that in mind, the Downtown Enforcement Unit has been scaled back from 5 members to three.

 

RCMP Superintendent Eric Stubbs has re-deployed two members from the unit to deal with other issues.

 

Mayor Shari Green says she is aware of the change, and will be keeping an eye on the crime stats “To make sure nothing starts to ‘slide’ over the winter months”. She says while Council can provide input on policing, “ultimately it is their (RCMP) call.”

 

Earlier this year, Superintendent Stubbs appeared before Council to ask for funding for the DEU as those officers are currently on loan from other duties in the City. Council has made it clear there will be no budget increase to cover the cost of 5 new members.

 

Mayor Green says the team reduction in the Downtown is acceptable for the time being “For now, for the winter, things are quieter.”