Saskatchewan RCMP’s two new full-time Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs), based in North Battleford and Prince Albert, are now fully operational, according to a press release.
With assistance and support from the Province of Saskatchewan, the CRTs are conducting high-intensity, targeted enforcement in areas that have been identified as crime “hot spots,” the release states.
Officers conduct intelligence-led policing, including: warrant executions, high-visibility traffic stops, tracking chronic offenders and tackling gang activity.
The teams deployed in tandem in the North Battleford area from Sept. 29 through Oct. 3. Among the results:
• 18 arrest warrants were executed in relation to 51 criminal code charges;
• 27 arrests were made in total;
• 25 new criminal code charges were laid;
• 44 traffic stops were conducted resulting in four tickets, 21 warnings and two suspensions being issued.
Both are prepared to deploy wherever they are most needed, according to the RCMP. Each team is made up of seven, full-time members along with one crime analyst and a support/administration position, for a total of 18 full-time positions.
The CRT initiative has been over a year in the making.
In 2017, Saskatchewan RCMP began conducting a number of targeted enforcement initiatives to assist detachments in addressing serious and violent crime in areas where community safety was identified as a concern. The positive results coming out of those efforts led to F Division conducting a three-month trial run from Februrary through April 2018. The continued, positive results from that – along with support from the provincial government – led to the decision to establish two, full-time CRTs, RCMP say.
According to the force, the CRT is designed to enhance – not replace — the enforcement, investigation and community safety work already being done by detachments to ensure a co-ordinated response to rural crime.
“Communities where the CRT has deployed have told us the increased police presence was both visible and appreciated,” said Insp. Tammy Patterson, officer in charge of the Crime Reduction/Crime Prevention Unit.
“People are noticing an impact and feel their communities are safer for it. We look forward to seeing what more the CRTs can accomplish in the weeks and months ahead.”
“The Crime Reduction Team (CRT) initiative has helped to improve safety in Saskatchewan communities, which is a priority for the government. We are proud to support the RCMP and to work with them on strategies that aim to stop crime,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said.
