Prince George could soon become the home base for an Integrated Homicide Investigation Team of its own, according to a report to City Council.
These teams are responsible for investigating homicides, high-risk missing persons cases where foul play is suspected, and suspicious deaths.
The City is asking the North District RCMP to establish a funding formula for a team, which would serve Northern B.C. in its entirety.
A team model was recently suggested by Prince George RCMP Superintendant Shaun Wright, who said the additional help would be welcome.
Increased constraints related to lab forensic delays, administrative tasks, and limited prosecution capacity have all been added pressure, explained Wright.
“It would be similar to that of the IHIT operating in the lower mainland,” said the report.
Due to the varying size of communities served by the North District RCMP, the city is asking the federal and provincial governments to work with RCMP management to develop the formula.
Currently, the RCMP provides services to unincorporated areas of the province and to selected municipalities such as Prince George by contract.
As of last month, all B.C. municipalities now benefit from a 70/30 cost-share formula between the provincial and federal governments regardless of population size.
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