Battlefords RCMP detachment gave its latest update to town council Monday and there were some highlights of note.
RCMP Insp. Tom Beck reported that among the latest stats was a significant increase in drug offences seen in the town, such as possession. There was an increase from three files year to date last year to 11 this year.
They also are seeing an increase in impaired operation of motor vehicles, although Beck noted that was a result of proactive work by the police, with members going out and doing that work.
The increase in drug offences was also a result of proactive work as well. Beck noted the RCMP had started a “task force that was solely focused on combatting organized crime in the greater Battlefords area,” and suggest the rise in drug offences likely has a lot to do with their proactive teams hunting drug traffickers and gang members. During COVID-19 that force had stood down, but they were back up and running in the last quarter and Beck said they had hit the ground running.
There was also discussion about a rise in needle pickup reported by the fire department. Mayor Ames Leslie noted this was not an issue the fire department had before but it has picked up in the last six to eight months. Beck confirmed they had heard there had been an increase as well.
As far as staffing is concerned, Beck reported they are now fully staffed with the exception of a GIS position which they are filling.
