According to Carbonneau, auxiliary members undergo stringent firearms training and are required to complete qualification tests each year. The guns are issued by the RCMP and are stored at the detachment. Carbonneau said RCMP members across the province have differing opinions on the advisability of arming auxiliaries. His personal preference, however, is that auxiliary officers should carry a firearm. If they are wearing the uniform, they can become a target.
Most people don t know the difference, so auxiliaries are at as much risk as regular members.
They assist in making arrests, interviewing people at crime scenes and generally keeping the peace. The local detachment requested a third auxiliary officer be assigned but was turned down. Carbonneau said there is currently a four-person waiting list to join the Oliver detachment. He noted all applicants are thoroughly screened and undergo many processes, including a criminal record check. We ve got to watch for power-trippers.