RCMP record a busy August
An unusually busy August for the Swift Current Municipal RCMP Detachment was highlighted in a report made to Swift Current City Council on September 28.
Staff Sergeant Gary Hodges from the Detachment presented a quarterly statistical report which included data up to the end of August.
“August was probably one of the busiest we’ve had in the last three years with 463 calls for service in a month,” Staff Sgt. Hodges said last Friday. In comparison, they responded to 445 calls in August 2017, and only 350 during August 2016.
The statistics recorded by the Swift Current Municipal RCMP Detachment shows only minor ups and downs in the various individual reporting categories.
“There was a bit of a spike in provincial traffic offences for the month. That’s a result again of the Combined Traffic Enforcement Section being in town, which is again made up of Traffic Services RCMP right across the Southwest, as well as Regina and Moose Jaw Police Services.”
“There’s a few slight increases and decreases in different categories, but no serious spike in any crime trends that I would raise any concern.”
Staff Sgt. Hodges noted that roadway safety will be a heightened focus during the CCA Finals Rodeo in Swift Current on October 17 to 20.
“Our current compliment of members will be working as per usual, but the Combined Traffic Enforcement Unit is intending to be in town so that will bolster our numbers a little bit. Focus on some of the impaired driving issues that may come as a result, unfortunately, of the cabaret.”
He also noted they are preparing for the federal Cannabis Act coming into effect on October 17. The RCMP in Saskatchewan are currently developing a training curriculum for the use of the approved screening devices which will soon be made available.
“Currently there’s a limited number of those in the possession of the RCMP, and I’ve been told they will be deployed in a strategic manner in consultation with the provincial and municipal partners.”
While there are currently no City Detachment members trained as Drug Recognition Experts, there are two trained in the Traffic Unit and another two at the Swift Current Rural Detachment.