Even with a slight rise in the number of calls for service in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024 for the Cranbrook RCMP detachment compared to 2023, statistics revealed a decrease in offences of most crime types.

These findings, along with other key initiatives, were shared by detachment commander Staff Sergeant Barry Graham during the 2024 Annual Update to council on Monday night.

In Q4 of 2024 (October to December), Cranbrook RCMP received 2,387 reports to police, a slight increase from 2,358 in Q3. Members responded to 149 mental health files (up from 44 in the previous quarter), submitted 50 reports to Crown Counsel recommending charges and conducted 17 curfew checks of persons on conditions.

Graham also provided council with metrics which show a decrease in offences of most crime types:

In Q4, Cranbrook RCMP conducted various proactive policing initiatives, including 36 joint patrols with City Bylaw Officers and routine foot patrols around the community and Moir Park. They also targeted hot spot areas, with out-of-jurisdiction members assisting in these efforts.

Cranbrook RCMP volunteers also checked 696 vehicles during speed watch deployments.

Several other important initiatives from Q4 were also highlighted to council and the public, including:

• Body Worn Cameras – Cranbrook detachment was one of the first of five detachments to receive body worn cameras;
• Cranbrook members conducted a traffic stop which resulted in the seizure of a significant number of illicit narcotics; and
• Cranbrook RCMP assisted Creston RCMP is locating and arresting an individual wanted on a Canada- wide warrant for murder. Thanks to the coordinated efforts and expertise of the members involved, the suspect was arrested without incident.

Also, as part of the presentation to council, S/Sgt. Graham (pictured) delivered the 2024 Annual Update.

In 2024, Cranbrook RCMP received 8,894 reports to police, up seven per cent from 2023. The detachment held 569 prisoners, submitted 373 reports to Crown Counsel and issued 101 traffic violation tickets.

Members also conducted regular joint patrols with City Bylaw Officers, conducting 103 patrols in 2024.

“2024 presented a number of policing challenges, including a number of significant events and investigations occurring alongside an overall increase in calls for service. In the face of these challenges, Cranbrook RCMP members and support staff displayed the impressive commitment and dedication we have come to expect from them, adapting to continue to provide an exceptional level of service to the community,” said S/Sgt. Graham.

“In order to respond to community concerns, we have significantly increased the number of joint patrols with bylaw staff, removed 42 impaired drivers from the road and continued to pursue those who traffic illicit narcotics as part of a proactive approach to public safety.”

“In spite of organization-wide challenges the RCMP are facing, we are seeing the positive results of the detachment’s commitment to community policing,” said Mayor Wayne Price. “On behalf of Council, I want to thank all of the members who are often going beyond the normal expectations.”

You can review the complete presentation made to Council online here.

e-KNOW file photo

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