The newly established Yukon Police Council is seeking input from Yukoners on policing priorities in the territory.

The council, announced last February, was created in response to the 2010 review of the Yukon's police force – the RCMP.

Its goals include providing advice to the Minister of Justice, currently Mike Nixon, may consider when establishing policing objectives, priorities and goals.

Council members are Lisa Anderson, Patricia Daws, Bill Klassen, David LeBarge, Doris McLean and Michael Riseborough.

In October, the police council will make written recommendations to Nixon on policing priorities.

The council is asking the public for their input in making these recommendations.

Citizens are being asked to share what they think are critical public safety issues in communities; what areas of policing need special focus; and what expectations they have for how police services are delivered in the territory.

"The Yukon Police Council provides the mechanism for gathering community input, values and needs to be incorporated into policing priorities,” Nixon said in a statement.

"Council members contribute a wide range of experiences and are taking the important step of seeking the views of their fellow Yukon citizens before making recommendations.

"It's important to the government that Yukoners have this opportunity to provide their input to the council.”

Robert Riches, the interim chair, said that "as members of the new Yukon Police Council, we feel it is of critical importance to engage Yukoners in dialogue.

"The minister's policing priorities are one way in which the delivery of territorial police services by the RCMP can be focused on the unique context of Yukon.”

Submissions will be accepted until Sept. 19 by emailing yukonpolicecouncil@gov.yk.ca. or mailing comments to:

Yukon Police Council Secretariat

Box 2703 (J-10)

Whitehorse, YT

Y1A 2C6

Or, visit www.yukonpolicecouncil.gov.yk.ca for more information.