RCMP Hoping Money Talks
The Mounties need a big raise to catch up with rival police forces and attract quality recruits, an internal report has found.
According to the Globe and Mail, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Pay Council has compiled a “business case” that calls for a 10% raise, stating RCMP members have fallen far behind other police bodies.
“In order to recruit, retain and motivate the best work force for the job, the RCMP must be able to offer a competitive and relevant compensation package to its members,” said the report, entitled Fair Compensation for the RCMP. “Given various conditions that have led to fiscal restraint measures, both the total compensation and the first class constable rankings of the RCMP are becoming less competitive with those of other departments in the police universe.”
The finding will put pressure on the federal government to increase salary and benefits in the RCMP, even as the force is trying to persuade Ottawa to approve the hiring of new officers to deal with the increased focus on the fight against terrorism.