RCMP summer operations can be a ‘juggling act’ in the South Okanagan, says region’s top cop

PENTICTON – The South Okanagan’s top cop says keeping up with the pace in the summer can be difficult pointing to the annual influx of tourists and transients.

RCMP Supt. Kevin Hewco told members of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s protective services committee today, April 28, it's a “juggling act” to manage the detachment’s human resources over the summer months.

Hewco discussed measures the RCMP are taking to deal with the annual summer population increase from tourists and transients like fruit pickers.

He says the detachment has leave restrictions in place for busy periods like during Peachfest and members are only allowed a maximum of two weeks leave between June and September.

“There are no major events in our area 'outside the box' that we are aware of so far this year,” Hewco says.

Hewco says the detachment also makes use of retired members of the force to provide some backfill during busy periods. Overtime is also allotted to special events requiring supplemental police resources.

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