A study will be undertaken to determine the policing needs of Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe over the next 10 to 15 years.
Moncton City Council agreed to hire a consultant through a request for proposals process to conduct a policing services study at its regular meeting on Monday.
Perivale and Taylor Consulting has been awarded the contract at a cost of more than $265,000.
The firm will examine policing by the RCMP or by establishing a regional municipal force for the tri-communities or a combination of both.
The study was prompted by retroactive increases in salaries and benefits for RCMP members which are beyond the control of municipalities.
Council was also concerned about the possibility the RCMP may no longer provide policing services to municipalities in the future.
Moncton will be covering most of the cost but Dieppe and Riverview are also contributing to the regional policing study.
