Police union in favour of taking over HRM duties from RCMP

The union representing Halifax Regional Police officers says the municipal force should take over if there would be cost savings by replacing the RCMP.

"Set your emotional state aside and look at where we are with the finances of the region," says Dave Moore, the president of the Municipal Association of Police Personnel.

RCMP officials feel things should be left as is, citing several successful integrated units of Mounties and regional officers.

"Integrated policing is not working, never worked, will never work," says Moore.

He cites different collective agreements and different environments as factors.

Moore also says municipal officers have worked in rural areas for years, and he says when it comes right down to it, it shouldn't matter what stripe the officer wears as long as they give good service.