The 2017 police-reported crime statistics released by the Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics reveal some positive trends, as well as some ongoing challenges in Saskatchewan RCMP jurisdiction areas.
聽The overall crime rate in Saskatchewan dropped in 2017 by three per cent. Areas served by the RCMP saw overall crime decline by three per cent as well, with property crime going down five per cent. Homicides in RCMP detachment areas were also down from 35 in 2016 to 22 in 2017.
聽The Stats Canada numbers however, show firearms-related offences on the rise in Saskatchewan. That is also reflected in the numbers in RCMP jurisdictions where firearms-related offences increased by 71 per cent. While that is highly concerning to the RCMP, it is worth noting that we have started seeing a decline in those numbers through the first half of 2018.
聽Saskatchewan RCMP is working hard to be responsive to these challenges by focusing our efforts, targeting our resources and leveraging our partnerships:
They are focusing on intelligence-led policing by collecting and analyzing information/data to conduct strategic patrols and deploy our resources as effectively and efficiently as possible. The Crime Reduction Team that was introduced in early 2018 has focused on this type of policing and has conducted multiple operations with encouraging results. In partnership with the Provincial government, this has led to the creation of two permanent CRTs beginning in September, 2018.
They continue to work with our law-enforcement partners through integrated street teams, combined forces teams and the newly-formed Provincial Protection and Response Team. Working with Conservation Officer and Saskatchewan Highway Patrol partners, the PPRT is already making a positive impact on community safety. The RCMP also joined forces with other police services to conduct a Firearms Amnesty program in the spring that helped get hundreds of firearms out of circulation. The RCMP is committed to working collaboratively with our partner agencies, local governments and community leaders to develop and implement strategies that will help address the root causes of crime and lead to stronger, safer and healthier communities.
