Kelowna to further study tiered policing model

Kelowna council has directed staff to examine a tiered approach to policing, shifting focus toward assigning different types of calls to different responders.

The review follows a city-commissioned report that explored policing options, including staying with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police or creating a municipal force, without recommending a preferred model.

City officials will study whether a tiered system could improve efficiency, strengthen oversight and help control rising costs, which have climbed sharply in recent years and are projected to keep increasing.

Data shows a significant share of calls involve mental health, substance use and social disorder, raising the possibility of diverting those to specialized responders while sworn officers focus on serious crime.

The report also flagged potential challenges, including transition costs, added training and equipment needs.

A follow-up report outlining how a tiered model could work locally is expected to return to council before the end of the year.