Chronic Staff Shortage in RCMP 911 & Dispatch Centers is Putting Canadians’ Safety at Risk

OTTAWA, Ontario — “As first responders, our RCMP telecom operators are the public’s first point of contact in an emergency. They make sure RCMP officers and other emergency services can intervene rapidly when Canadians need help. At least, this is the theory,” said Kathleen Hippern, president of CUPE Local 104.

“The daily reality is much more frightening. Chronic short staffing in Operational Communications Centers across the country is putting public safety at risk. The RCMP has not retained nor hired enough staff required for these critical operations,” added Hippern…