Summary
There have been many debates relating to the amalgamation and/or regionalization of police services in the Province of British Columbia. At the present time the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and 12 independent municipal police organizations provide service. There are five municipal police forces and several detachments of the RCMP on Vancouver Island. On the Saanich Peninsula policing is shared between the RCMP and the Central Saanich Police Service. Policing is provided to three independent municipalities and four aboriginal reserves. Funds are being reduced and costs for policing are on the increase. To address these challenges individuals must explore and consider future possibilities. A process must be created which the police service, municipalities and aboriginal communities can accept. It must include a fair and honest comparison of the options available. This process must be understood clearly by all those involved in its completion and evaluation. They will ultimately make the decisions on the service provided.