Concerns over a rise in crime and the perceived lack of Royal Canadian Mounted Police RCMP presence in the area have prompted Eastern Charlotte to explore alternative policing options, said Mayor John Craig.

In a recent interview with CHCO Television, Mayor Craig acknowledged the frustration felt by residents, emphasizing that the problem extended beyond Eastern Charlotte, affecting other areas in Charlotte County as well.

"I fully understand people's frustration absolutely 110%, and I do know that it's happening in our area, but I also know it's happening in every area around Charlotte County," said Mayor Craig. "I meet with mayors every second weekend. And St, Stephen McAdam--they're all having their issues."

To address these issues, a motion has been put forth to initiate a comprehensive investigation into the feasibility and cost of establishing a local police force or contracting another police force.

While implementing an alternative policing solution would require time and careful planning, Mayor Craig said efforts were being made to address the issue. He estimated that the process, including contract negotiations, equipment procurement, budgeting, and location selection, would take approximately two to three years. In the meantime, the consideration of establishing a Neighbourhood Watch program is being explored.

Mayor Craig emphasized the importance of residents reporting suspicious activities and staying engaged in ensuring the safety of their community. He acknowledged that some might question the efficacy of reporting incidents due to perceived inaction by the police but emphasized that a greater number of reports could lead to better identification of perpetrators.

Collaboration with neighbouring areas was also highlighted, as Mayor Craig mentioned discussions with other mayors, particularly from Fundy Shores, who expressed interest in working together to explore alternative policing options. 

Currently, the annual budget allocated to the RCMP in Eastern Charlote stands at $2.1 to $2.2 million, providing the community with a comprehensive range of RCMP services. Mayor Craig acknowledged the complexity of the situation and stressed the need to address not only policing but also the entire system, including the judicial process and drug-related issues. While exploring alternative policing options, he highlighted the importance of community involvement and urged residents to report suspicious activities to aid in combating crime in Eastern Charlotte and the wider region.