To improve visibility and accessibility, the Whitehorse RCMP detachment has moved its satellite office in the McIntyre subdivision into the main administration building of the Kwanlin Dun First Nation.

In a brief ceremony held late Wednesday morning, Kwanlin Dun Chief Mike Smith recognized the success of the satellite program over the last five years. He welcomed the move into the main building from a less visible location in the subdivision.

'It's a good day, and we are looking for more good days working with Kwanlin Dun,' said Sgt. Tim Walton, the Whitehorse detachment commander.

Instead of the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jessie Dawson of the Kwanlin Dun council cut a strand of police tape strung across the doorway to the new satellite office.

Const. Jeff Monkman described the satellite office as an opportunity to offer residents of the subdivision a forum to exchange information.

He and Const. Karen Olito, both of whom are of aboriginal ancestry, typically staff the office between five and 10 hours a week, at any time of the day, depending on the shift they're working.

'We make an effort to spend as much time as possible here.'

There is crime in the community of mostly Kwanlin Dun members, and there are drugs.

However, having such a local presence provides the officers with an opportunity to make area residents aware of problems before they get out of control, Monkman said.