The federal police force is looking to balance the scales in air support.
An aircraft swap is planned for later this year that would bring an RCMP helicopter to Prince George.
There has been no official announcement made regarding the transfer or when it will happen, said RCMP E divisions spokesperson Sgt. Rob Vermeulen, but he confirmed the move would bring the helicopter currently based in the Southeast District in Kamloops to the local North District base.
"B.C.'s Air Services fleet are strategically placed throughout B.C. in order to support our policing services and unique geography," Vermeulen said in a written statement. The force is "re-aligning these resources more effectively" with the swap that would also move a fixed-wing aircraft from Prince George down to the Southeast District, leaving each district with one fixed-wing aircraft and one helicopter.
"It is important to note that the North District comprises 73 per cent of B.C. geographic area, so this realignment is simply a matter of common sense," Vermeulen said.
RCMP use their aircraft for activities such as patrols and surveillance, transporting personnel, evidence and supplies, conducting searches and providing support for frontline members.
Province-wide, Air Services flies more than 23,000 hours per year.
