RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – The RCMP’s reputation and its ability to deal with the conduct of some of its officers is a factor, as six local cities whether or not to renew their RCMP contracts.

Richmond’s mayor admits the recent headlines make him feel reluctant about signing a 20-year deal.

Malcolm Brodie says it seems not a week goes by that the force’s reputation is called into question.

“Why are we giving a 20-year contract to a group that even they admit have such outstanding issues?” he asks.

He says the problem with signing such a long-term contract is the inability to renegotiate if the force fails to address its problems.

He notes getting more details about the cost of the new deal is the biggest hurdle standing in the way of a new contract. Specifically, he wants to know what the cities will have to cough up for wages, pensions and the building and running of the new E-Division headquarters.
    
North Vancouver City, North Vancouver District, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, and Port Coquitlam now have until the end of June to sign that contract.