A new report shows the RCMP racked up $805.4 million in the last five years. Figures obtained by CBC News Network’s Power & Politics show the mounties to have racked up quite the number of overtime hours since 2007.
Much of the spike can be attributed to Canada playing a bigger role around the world, including hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics and the G20 Summit.
The RCMP says the numbers align with general salary. But retired RCMP officer Rob Creasser offers a more candid picture. He says the police force is understaffed and overworked.
The excessive OT is an issue for taxpayers, particularly if it’s true the RCMP is understaffed. That indicates the OT is just an expensive band-aid being used to temporarily alleviate a shortage of officers.
