Fundy Shores residents had the chance to share their policing frustrations directly with the RCMP this week.
More than 100 people gathered Tuesday night in Maces Bay for a community meeting organized by council.
It was an opportunity for Mounties to share information with the community and listen to concerns from residents.
Denny Cogswell, the mayor of Fundy Shores, said he felt the meeting was well received by community members.
“They like what they learned, some new stuff, but they want a bigger police presence in the community. That was loud and clear from residents,” Cogswell said in an interview.
Cogswell said there has been an increase in break-ins and thefts throughout the municipality, which spans more than 370 kilometres.
It includes the communities of Chance Harbour, Dipper Harbour, Lepreau, Little Lepreau, Maces Bay, Musquash, New River, Pocologan and Prince of Wales.
“We know they’re doing the best they can. We appreciate what they do,” Cogswell said of the frontline officers.
“We respect what they do, but for us, this is gonna have to be a regional, provincial, federal issue when it comes to more funding.”
Cogswell said one of his main frustrations lies with how 51 new RCMP officers announced last fall were allocated throughout the province.
RELATED: Where will 51 new RCMP officers in N.B. be located?
The Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission (RSC 10), which includes Fundy Shores, is only receiving one new officer.
The RSC also includes the communities of Blacks Harbour, Campobello Island, Grand Manan, Harvey, McAdam, Saint Andrews, St. George, and St. Stephen.
“I don’t believe it’s fair,” said Cogswell, noting the RCMP cover a large area throughout southwestern New Brunswick.
The mayor said he hopes they can hold more regular community meetings with the RCMP going forward to help build community relations.
