RICHMOND (NEWS1130) – The taxpayers of Richmond are apparently getting a good deal, when it comes to policing. The RCMP have crunched some numbers to convince the city the force is worth keeping.

The Mounties are highlighting the numbers as the city contemplates opting out of the newly-signed 20-year contract.

An RCMP report says the per capita cost for policing in Richmond is 34 per cent lower than for similar-sized independent police forces. It goes on to say the per officer cost is six per cent lower than in other cities using non-RCMP forces.

The report also suggests Richmond officers handle 50 per cent more cases than the average of those in the top 30 police forces in Canada. RCMP Inspector Ted De Jager says even wage increases are, on average, smaller in Richmond than elsewhere.

“It was a six per cent pay increase for the last four years for RCMP members and about 14 per cent pay increases for larger, independent municipal police forces,” he stresses.

De Jager hopes the city takes a good look at the numbers.

“Costs billed to the City of Richmond are very competitive. We provide an excellent service and value to the citizens of Richmond.”

This past June, the City of Richmond reluctantly signed a renewed contract with the RCMP, one of the last municipalities in BC to do so.