When it comes to policing, the suburban Victoria community of Esquimalt, B.C., would rather switch than fight.
The municipality has told the provincial government that it prefers a policing contract with the RCMP over the current alliance with the police department in neighbouring Victoria.
Victoria Police Chief Jamie Graham isn't worried about being ousted from the Esquimalt beat, hinting there are several issues -- including the cost of switching to the Mounties -- that could decide the matter in his department's favour.
Graham says he's confident the province will make the right choice after a newly-appointed mediator hears Victoria's case and issues a report, expected in January.
Esquimalt called for policing proposals in March and announced Tuesday that the RCMP submission best meets its requirements in all areas, including cost.
Council in Esquimalt has criticised the policing arrangement in effect with Victoria since 2003, arguing the township pays too much for the level of service it receives.
