Get rid of the quotas

Re: RCMP Pushes For Gender Equality, Oct. 20. I served as a volunteer with the RCMP for over 20 years, in three different regions, as a consultant, auxiliary constable, and operational chaplain. I heard then, and I hear now from currently serving and recently retired members that quotas based on gender, ethnicity, skin colour or race do not provide Canadians with a better federal police force.

Many of the recruits in the target groups are attracted by some romanticized idea of policing, by high quality training and by good salaries and benefits, which are boosted by a considerable amount of overtime. The overtime is the unintended benefit from the fact that most detachments are woefully understaffed.

However, when training is completed and the reality of actual policing sets in — the long hours, the sights, sounds and smells of tragedy, the disrespect from so many people, the justice system that so often fails — many of the eagerly recruited say “no thanks,” and quit as soon as they are able.

To provide all Canadians with the best possible, most highly motivated and exceptional federal force, the RCMP should concentrate on finding, training and hiring the very best recruits possible, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race or skin colour. Get rid of the quotas.

Reid Fowler, Chilliwack, B.C.