VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – A former senior Mountie feels the RCMP should become a purely national force and cut local policing services.

Robert Lunney was a superintendent in the RCMP and says the force is stretched thin, trying to be all things to all people, and it is not working.

He feels the force is “galloping off in all directions,” should cut provincial and municipal policing and fully focus on federal issues like organized crime and terrorism.

On the street, News1130 has found some support for the idea. But for many, it’s more about an overhaul for a force that lacks public confidence.

“I have no respect, absolutely no respect [for the RCMP],” says Jurgen. “I don’t care if it’s just a few bad apples; someone has to look after them and toss them out.”

“It’s a good idea. Get the Mounties to deal with national issues, the major issues. Have local issues dealt with by local police, Vancouver Police,” adds Pushpa.

Lunney makes his case in an article in the latest edition of the journal Canadian Public Administration.