ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — When a police officer radios dispatch to get backup for a crime in progress, but can’t get service, it’s a problem — one that the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Association (RNCA) wants remedied.
“You certainly wouldn’t expect it in this day and age,” RNCA president Sgt. Mike Summers told The Telegram Friday.
“You go around (the metro region) and there are dead areas on your cellphone and that is the same with regards to our radio equipment.
“It’s a concern for all first-responders. … You want to have a reliable radio system.”
It’s one of the key issues listed in an election questionnaire that has been sent to each of the campaigning political parties by the RNCA, which represents the province’s nearly 400 officers.
“If elected, how would you address these radio communications issues for our members?” the letter asks.
Besides calls for backup, the RNC’s radio system is also used to transfer critical information between officers and the communications centre technician, the letter states.
Summers said several RNC jurisdictions, such as certain areas of Pouch Cove and Conception Bay South, don’t have radio coverage, which could potentially be dangerous for both the officer and members of the public.
Another concern listed in the letter is the need for new police vehicles — as some have up to 200,000 kilometres on their odometers.
Low staffing numbers also made the list, along with the need for a mental health oversight treatment program and return-to-work program for officers, who routinely face traumatic and difficult calls for service.
Summers said officers need dependable vehicles, as they’re used in all kinds of weather conditions and, sometimes, in high-speed pursuits.
“These aren’t regular, everyday vehicles that are being driven by regular citizens. These are police vehicles that sometimes get pushed to their limits,” Summers said, noting maintenance and repair costs can often exceed the price of a new vehicle. “It becomes an officer and public safety issue if we can’t get to calls.”
Staffing levels should be closer to the national average — 188 officers per 100,000 population, he says.
Provincewide, the RNC has 167 officers per 100,000 population, while the numbers are lower on the Northeast Avalon, said Summers, noting several officers have retired, with 71 currently eligible to retire.
The letter states that according to the provincial government’s 2017 public-sector compensation disclosure, there was $3,160,200 in overtime paid to RNC officers.
It also notes that the RNCA collective agreement has been expired since June 2016, with no changes to benefits or compensation since then.
Gaps in the mental health support for RNCA members is the final issue on the list, but an important one, Summers said.
He said there’s a need for a mental health oversight program and a return-to-work program to ensure the ongoing mental health and safety of RNCA members.
“As first-responders, we see and we do a lot more than the general public ever does in their lives.”
He said there are mental health initiatives with regard to critical incidents, stress debriefs, along with the employee assistance program.
“But we’d like to see more and ensure our members are being looked after so they don’t develop (post-traumatic stress disorder) or (occupational stress injury),” Summers said.
He said Chief Joe Boland is aware of the issues and is working to get them rectified. Attempts to reach the RNC’s media desk and Boland were unsuccessful Friday.
Summers said the questionnaire is meant to highlight the issues to the parties during the election. So far, he said, the responses have been positive.
“The parties have been sympathetic to our concerns,” he said.
He said he hopes whichever party is elected will live up to its commitment to see these issues resolved.
“We, police, help, serve and protect the same people who are constituents for these candidates,” said Summers, adding that the RNCA also forwarded the letter to its members to allow them the chance to address candidates in their area about the issues.
“It’s important to everyone that these issues are rectified.”
[email protected]
Twitter: TelyRosie