Prince George city council's sudden budget cuts announced 10 days ago had an almost immediate impact on local crime prevention.
The Community Policing Centre satellite office in the Hart is now closed for good after two of three Community Policing Centre civilian employees were axed and the program budget sliced. The main centre located at 575 Brunswick Street remains open to the public.
"Providing a high level of community policing programs for all Prince George residents, remains our goal," said Prince George RCMP spokesman Cpl. Craig Douglass after Thursday's announcement.
The RCMP is a partner in the community policing initiative. City manager responsible Rob Whitwham did not issue the announcement nor was he available for comment following the statement.
"The closure of this office will have no impact on regular policing duties, as RCMP officers responding to calls for service operate out of the downtown detachment," Douglass said.
The CPC is home to volunteer-based initiatives like Block Watch, the DARE (anti-drug) and BRAVE (bully prevention) programs, the anti-gang strategy for schools, the auxiliary police members, the Citizens On Patrol team, and many others.
These will continue but with fewer resources.
