Colin Basran has no complaints about the way local police handle sexual assault allegations.
In an interview with AM 1150 News, the Mayor of Kelowna asserted his complete faith in the city's RCMP detachment.
"I don't believe that anybody who's calling in is not being given good service, or that their complaints or allegations aren't being taken seriously." said Basran.
According to Statistics Canada, Kelowna RCMP dismiss 40 percent of such cases as 'unfounded'. That's 25 percentage points higher than the provincial average and 36 points higher than Vancouver and Victoria, where just 4 percent of reported assaults are discarded.
But the numbers haven't shaken Basran's confidence in local police.
"I can't really say or comment on how other municipalities or their police forces look into these types of matters but I do know I'm confident in how Superintendent Mundle and his team are keeping our residents safe and looking into their concerns." said Basran.
The mayor’s reaction contrasts the view of Kelowna’s Elizabeth Fry Society. The non-profit’s executive director, Michelle Novakowski, believes local police are under-trained on how to properly handle sexual assault claims.
"I would say I'm satisfied with the work that the RCMP are doing" said Basran. "I know that they're looking internally at this, and if any changes need to be made they will do so."
In an email, Kelowna RCMP Superintendent Brent Mundle confirmed he is looking into the numbers and will offer a response in the near future.