RCMP needs a major shakeup

Re: RCMP apology 'closing a chapter,' Oct. 7

Friday’s paper has three articles concerning RCMP misconduct. The most damning one is about the sexual harassment lawsuits. The commissioner issued an apology as part of the settlement.

I would hope there are also job terminations and charges laid for those responsible for harassment and discrimination. There could be hundreds of RCMP officers eligible for compensation; it’s hard to fathom that this organization has allowed this to go on for so many years.

Taxpayers will be on the hook for this deplorable conduct. Those involved should not only lose their jobs, but also their pensions.

The RCMP has many dedicated, hard-working members who must be at a loss over the actions of those involved.

The RCMP has been in the news far too often over misconduct, harassment, discrimination, and other issues, which is a shame because they get little recognition for all the good work they do.

They need a major shakeup, which could include an independent inquiry. Brian Ringrose, Surrey

$100 million to “settle” claims? And whose money is it anyway?

Did any of it come from the pockets of the perpetrators? This money will come from taxpayers. Is it going to be an additional cost to us or are the accountants going to divert funds from ‘policing work,’ in which case, we get shortchanged in the quality of service?

None of the Old Boys club whose actions, or inactions, allowed this rot to go on for years will ever be named, let alone held to account.

I’m sorry, but RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson’s crocodile tears don’t cut it. He may not have been part of the problem, but he’s in charge of the group that got us to pay for their mistakes and to bury any retribution against those who caused the problems in the first place.

Is it any wonder why we are losing confidence in our once proud national police force? Gordon Swanson, Surrey