This correspondence is in regards to your recently titled "Leave the Guns at Home" article where you featured the Prince George RCMP to be unnecessarily armed in the manner that they were. I am genuinely concerned about the message that this article is putting out.
I understand the concern that you have expressed in your article but I don't believe what you wrote was true journalism. You failed to present both sides in an unbiased manner. Whether you intended it or not, you have painted with a broad brush over the RCMP's attempt to keep the public safe and may have put unnecessary strains on the relationship they have been building with the community.
I'm not sure how often you've had police interactions but Cpl. Douglass is correct in saying that this is the new norm. For years, the public and regular members demanded RCMP to have their front line officers better armed in order to better protect themselves and the public. This outcry was a result of tragedies such as the deaths of officers in Mayerthorpe and Moncton.
Officers put their lives on the line every day, with no expectation of gratitude from those they serve. What they do expect is the respect of those they protect. Whether you meant it or not, your article puts an unnecessary schism between some of the civilians of Prince George and the RCMP members in this town.
I hope you take the time to reflect on the possible consequences of your article. You are in a very blessed position to influence the thoughts and minds of the public. I believe that with that responsibility, you should be more critical of the content you release. I challenge you to see the other side of law enforcement by asking the tough questions and actually seeking out the real answers. Perhaps avail a few ridealongs with them and it may paint a better picture of why the RCMP may be conducting themselves in this manner.
Mark Macapinlac
Prince George
